Fill Your Life With Affordable Art In Downtown West Palm Beach
February 23rd, 2024
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (February 23, 2024) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is making art accessible to all through Flamango Vending beginning on Feb. 29 at Clematis by Night. Artwork from more than 25 local artists will be available through Flamango Vending, a uniquely repurposed and redesigned snack vending machine hosted and curated by local 1909 entrepreneur Meghan McKenna.
The available small-scale pieces of art and hand-made items will range in price up to $50 and will include prints, original artwork on canvas, textiles, art kits, accessories, jewelry, and much more.
As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m., the public can take part in a Mallow Canvas community art making experience, where participants will create a one-of-a-kind mural using a giant marshmallow as the canvas in commemoration of opening day. Participants will be able to color the marshmallow canvas with edible markers, edible paint, stencils, and more. While the large canvas won’t be consumable, there will be edible mallow coloring kits available for purchase.
After its debut at Clematis by Night, Flamango Vending will relocate to the Garden District Taproom courtyard and other public spaces throughout the year as a hidden gem of the Downtown district.
“This is an opportunity for the public to support the local art community and take part in a unique experience when visiting Downtown West Palm Beach,” said Sherryl Muriente, public realm director for the DDA. “Our community is filled with creative individuals that curated these ideas to drive engagement and togetherness.”
“Not only am I thrilled to see my vision of an art vending machine come to life, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase the talents of local creators, artists, and makers who deserve recognition,” said Meghan McKenna, creator of Flamango Vending. “I’ve had this idea for a while, inspired by my own unique vending experience, but I didn’t have the means to bring it to life. With the support of the DDA, Flamango Vending has become a reality.”
Flamango Vending is part of a larger placemaking initiative by the DDA, with the goal of activating public spaces and engaging the public in contributing to the community’s health, happiness and wellbeing. Placemaking projects have already made a significant impact in Downtown West Palm Beach with efforts such as the Fern Street Chess Park, Trojan Rocking Horses, Que Bacano, Motivational Mondays, and more.
For more information about the DDA, visit DowntownWPB.com or call 561-833-8873.
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About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.
For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.