Mystry Mart, a vending machine-turned-art gallery, has expanded its reach to Coney Island for the summer, placing an installation at Margarita Island off the Surf Avenue strip. The project, founded by Victoria Orlovskaya and Gene Bell, functions as a hybrid art installation and gallery that dispenses blind-bagged original works from emerging local artists, according to the founders.
The project originated after founders Victoria Orlovskaya and Gene Bell were inspired during a trip to Las Vegas. They initially sourced artists by scouting #nycart and #nycartist tags on Instagram, often requesting works before they had secured a physical machine.
How the Installation Works
Collectors can purchase pieces priced between $10 and $100 from the machine. Each work is sold in a blind-bag format, and every package includes a QR code that links to a digital portal containing information about the artist and the specific piece, as well as resources for supporting the local creative community.
The machines feature a rotating selection of 20 artists at any given time, drawn from a pool of over 120 contributors. Available works span various mediums, ranging from fine-art prints and paintings to ceramics. Notable items include miniature paintings on MetroCards by artist Zhang Zheyi and works by artist BreadSlug, who paints on bread before encasing the items in resin.
By placing art in high-traffic, unconventional public spaces, Mystry Mart shifts the gallery experience from an exclusive, quiet environment to an accessible, retail-driven interaction. This model significantly lowers the barrier to entry for both new collectors and emerging artists, though it relies heavily on the physical location’s foot traffic to maintain the visibility the founders aim to cultivate.
Why This Matters for Emerging Artists
According to the project’s official website, Mystry Mart is designed to champion underrepresented and emerging creative talent. By placing artwork in cultural hubs such as the Brooklyn Museum, PowerHouse Arts, and House of Yes, the founders aim to build community and provide artists with tangible opportunities for visibility and professional growth.
The transition from manual outreach—where the founders previously DM’d artists on social media—to an formal application process on their website marks a shift in the project’s scale. The installation is intended to make art feel “alive” by integrating it into the daily rhythm of busy public spaces.
What May Happen Next
Following the summer residency in Coney Island, the project could potentially rotate its machines to other high-traffic cultural or public locations across the city. As the artist application process continues to draw interest, the collective may expand its roster beyond the current 120 contributors. Future iterations of the machines may also see a shift in the types of mediums featured, depending on the submissions received through the project’s online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range for art at Mystry Mart?
Prices for the blind-bagged original works range from $10 to $100.
How can buyers learn more about the art they purchase?
Each package includes a QR code that directs the buyer to a digital portal with details about the work and the artist.
Where can people find these machines?
The latest installation is located at Margarita Island off the Surf Avenue strip in Coney Island, though the project has previously appeared at the Brooklyn Museum, PowerHouse Arts, and House of Yes.
Would you consider buying original art from a vending machine if you knew it supported a local emerging artist?