To many, vending machines conjure visions of junk food, tepid soda and the ultimate heartbreak: a snack stranded between coil and glass. When Good Things Vending founder Steph Krim looks at at a vending machine, she sees the future: automated storefronts for artists.
A self-proclaimed “joyous community-driven and collaborative automation experience,” Chicago art collective Good Things Vending transforms rusty old vending machines into pint-sized oddities shops stationed throughout the city. Each machine is painted by a local artist with a mural that reflects its surroundings: the Garfield Park Conservatory’s machine is bedecked with daisies and periwinkle petunias, Revolution Brewing’s is adorned with abstract faces and hands raising pints of beer. To maintain novelty and support as many Chicagoland artists as possible, the machines’ inventory is regularly rotated, stocked with everything from miniature art prints and paper puppets to enamel pins and frog-shaped Crocs charms—anything smaller than a mini bag of chips can be stocked in a Good Things Vending machine.
In a time when the word “automation” can signify the gates of an over-optimized hell opening, Krim wholeheartedly believes in this type of automation’s potential for facilitating unexpected connection. Through Good Things Vending machines, local artists can reach new audiences without selling their work at a steep discount to stockists, paying exorbitant fees at makers’ markets or bankrupting themselves with storefront costs. In a world where everyday luxuries feel increasingly unattainable, Good Things Vending prioritizes accessible pricing—items range from $1 to $20, and the machines at The Owl and The Way Out even stock Plan B for free.
“This is ‘blow on the cartridge’ automation, an uncomplicated extension of our hands and bodies,” Krim says of the machines’ old-school technology. “We’re seeing so much disinvestment in our communities—empty storefronts and stores closing. Our machines are an accessible extension of the brick-and-mortar. They’re a low stakes invitation to the thing we’re craving most: real life.”
Good Things Vending wasn’t born from a single bolt of inspiration, but from a slow burn that steadily lit up Krim’s life. Most of Krim’s career has revolved around Chicago’s hospitality industry, helping institutions like Longman & Eagle and Lost Lake open and, in turn, flourish. But as she would share a plate of french fries with colleagues in the back of a blazing hot kitchen or feel pangs of exhaustion dampening her personal life, she knew that she wasn’t living life on her own terms. At the time, she envisioned what she calls “a ridiculous life” for herself: days filled with antiquing, supporting artists and collaborating with local businesses. Turns out, her dream was far from ridiculous—it was soon to become her day-to-day reality.
Taking inspiration from her family’s history in the antique toy and game industry and a childhood trip to Japan—where vending machines are ubiquitous—Krim bought a vending machine off Craigslist in 2016. After three years of tinkering and networking, false starts and dashed hopes, that inaugural vending machine found a home at the Chicago Cultural Center in 2019, quickly becoming a draw for visitors. Since then, Good Things Vending has installed eight more machines throughout Chicago.
“It’s so easy to walk through life unenthused, but there’s so much magic waiting for us.”
“I want someone to feel like there’s possibility and connection still left to discover,” Krim says. “We haven’t seen everything yet. It’s so easy to walk through life unenthused, but there’s so much magic waiting for us.”
Good Things Vending cultivates that magic in big and small ways. Just a few weeks ago, an acquaintance of Krim’s proposed to their partner with a mood ring that was purchased from a Good Things Vending machine. Artists have received custom commissions and mural painting jobs through the enterprise that Krim has built. She has event consulted on a handful of “sister machines” that are sprinkled throughout the country.
Krim prides herself on collaborating with artists at all career stages, offering a much-needed platform to newcomers and an alternative sales channel to more established makers. For artists who want to get involved with Good Things Vending—whether as an art supplier or a machine muralist—applications are open on Good Things Vending’s website.
If you’re itching to visit a Good Things Vending Machine (honestly, why wouldn’t you?), they can be found at the Chicago Cultural Center, Garfield Park Conservatory, Kaiser Tiger, Kimball Arts Center, The Way Out, The Owl, Avondale Bowl, Revolution Brewing and Off Color Brewing’s Mousetrap.
As far as the future goes, Krim admits her vision changes daily depending on her own goals and the desires of her two employees. One thing she knows for sure is that Good Things Vending will remain staunchly people-centered. Krim wants to “deepen, not widen” the Good Things Vending Community with more connection, more artists and more machines. More of the “real life” that Krim—and most of us—are still chasing.