October 15, 2025

10300 Eaton Place, Suite 235
Fairfax, VA 22030

media contact

Brittany Jones
PR & Marketing Manager
Fairfax City Economic Development
(571) 459-8626
Brittany.Jones@fairfaxcityecondev.org


for immediate release



FAIRFAX CITY, VA, OCT. 15, 2025 – Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), in partnership with the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department, has launched the city’s new Mini Art Vending Machine, and will be on display at Commonwealth Brewing Co (10426 Main Street) in Old Town Fairfax starting October 16 for a limited time.

The vending machine, which debuted during the City of Fairfax Fall Festival, offers residents and visitors a fun and affordable way to purchase pocket-sized works of art. For four quarters, participants can collect a miniature art print, with proceeds benefiting Fairfax City parks. The initiative aims to promote area artists through an accessible, interactive platform and provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience and collect local art. The first featured artist is Ash Smith, a George Mason University graduate, whose series “Ghost Occupations” includes nine unique mini art prints.

“Within my art, I love sharing stories of the mundane mixed with the magical or spooky. Drawing ghosts started as a way to represent myself without a gendered lens but became a way to connect shared experiences with a wide audience. For the vending machine project, I was excited about the collectible aspect — I wanted to create art that people would want to collect as a complete set. I also wanted to represent occupations found in businesses and venues throughout Old Town Fairfax. So ‘Ghost Occupations’ felt like the perfect fit for this project.”

Ash Smith
Artist

“This playful project is a creative way to promote area artists while bringing art directly into our community. For just one dollar, you receive a small art print — which could make a big impact. Art is for everyone, and the joy and beauty art offers us is even greater when shared.”

Christine Vincent
Acting Cultural Arts Manager, Fairfax City Parks and Recreation

"What I love about this project is that it brings together two things we care deeply about — supporting local artists and strengthening our small business community. By placing the vending machine in local shops and gathering places, we’re helping to drive foot traffic, spark curiosity, and encourage people to explore all that Fairfax City has to offer."

Tara Borwey
Assistant Director for Programs and Retail Strategy, Fairfax City Economic Development

The vending machine will be available at Commonwealth Brewing Co for a limited time before moving to the Holiday Craft Show at Fairfax High School on November 15-16 and then to another Fairfax City business. Local artists interested in having their work featured in future Mini Art Vending Machine installations are encouraged to apply through the Fairfax City Public Art Program: fairfaxva.gov/Fun-Facilities/Cultural-Arts-and-History/Public-Art-Program.



Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at gofairfaxcity.com.



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