We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Gravelle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful moment in my career so far has been working with over 20 local artists. When I started Flex Machine, I knew I wanted to sell local art, promote the artists, give them a spotlight to showcase their talents, and provide a place to sell their art beyond the weekend craft fair. Initially it was a slow process, but as the project grew I started to see the potential of long term impacts.

When I reached the milestone of collaborating with 20 artists, it really hit me—the significance of what we were doing together. This wasn’t just about selling art. It was about building a solid community of local artists, making connections, and creating a sustainable platform for artistic expression. Each artist brought their unique story and creativity which transformed our machines into mini-galleries. Seeing the excitement of artists when they sold their first piece through my vending machines or hearing feedback from customers discovering local talent in unexpected places made it clear how meaningful this project could be for all of us. It’s a continuous reminder of the importance of supporting local art in innovative ways.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Elizabeth Gravelle and I’m from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 2020 I founded Flex Machine out of a passion for starting a small business that allows me to be creative and be my own boss. Flex Machine combines my love for art and entrepreneurship by restoring vintage vending machines and turning them into unique and fun art spaces. These machines are placed in local businesses and stocked with a variety of creative works from local artists, as well as fun, sometimes weird and unexpected games and goodies.

At Flex Machine I offer a wide range of products including mini-paintings, prints, handcrafted jewelry, stickers, pins, key chains, and the list goes on and on. I like to vend quirky items that you wouldn’t typically expect to find in a vending machine. I’m always looking for interesting products that will fit in the coils meant for candy bars and bags of chips. My mission is to support local artists by providing them with a consistent and prominent platform to sell their work. By placing the machines in popular local spots, my effort is to solve visibility and accessibility challenges for these artists, while also enhancing the customer experience in these businesses.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists I think society needs to create more platforms that offer visibility and market access for artists. This can be achieved through community events, art fairs, galleries, and more innovative outlets like Flex Machine. Collaboration between local businesses and artists can help integrate art into everyday spaces, making it more accessible to the public. By valuing and investing in the arts society not only enriches its cultural fabric but also supports the economic, social well-being, and vibrancy of its communities.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a business owner in the creative space is the opportunity to bring joy and inspiration to others. Seeing people interact with and appreciate the art in my vending machines is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the art itself but the experience it creates. I love seeing the surprise when someone finds a unique piece in one of my machines, or the connection they feel when they learn about the artist behind the work. Knowing that I’m providing a platform for local artists to share their talents and stories with a wider audience is immensely gratifying.

Another deeply rewarding aspect is the sense of community and collaboration that comes with this work. Building Flex Machine has allowed me to work closely with a diverse group of talented artists and local business owners. The collaborative process, from restoring the machines to curating their contents, is a constant source of inspiration and learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my efforts contribute to a thriving local art scene and to know that I’m making a positive impact by supporting and promoting local creativity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/flexmachine_nh