Big news, friends! Starting May 16, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, and Pippin Toy Co. will be home to an Inciardi mini print vending machine. We can hardly contain our excitement and we’re not sorry about it!
If you know, you know. But, if you haven't heard of Ana Inciardi yet, you're in for a treat. Her bright red machines work just like a classic vending machine. Instead of snacks, you get a beautiful, handmade mini linocut print for just one dollar. The fun part is, you don't know which print you'll get. Ana carves every print by hand from linoleum blocks, layering each color one press at a time making each one unique.
A Maine artist via Brooklyn, NY, Ana’s work focuses on food and everyday objects. Absolutely our favorite things! Think sardines, pencils, mailboxes, and juicy tomatoes. Each print is delightfully charming and the kind of thing that makes you smile every time you look at it. Since launching during the pandemic these machines have been making their way across the country creating collectors and communities alike.
I have been dying to get Ana’s machines in our shops since I first laid eyes on them. A huge thank you to our friends at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn for putting a good word in for us. We are so grateful! If you ever find yourself in Brooklyn, do yourself a favor and please go visit them. They are wonderful
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are giving away free prints on us! Here’s how it works. The first 50 people in line at 10am at each store on May 16th will get a free print at each store. We'll stamp your hand while you're in line. That stamp is your ticket. Show it at any (or all!) of our three stores to claim your free print at each one. Start at your favorite or find the shortest line. Whatever strategy works, it’s totally up to you!
What I love about these machines is that whenever you put your tokens in, you're not just getting something lovely for yourself you're supporting an independent artist doing something creative and original. It's a small moment that connects people, and that's exactly the kind of thing we love bringing to our community. We can’t wait to see you and see which prints you get on May 16!