Ref. 28562-50TWO unconventional artists are taking their work to the public with a unique vending machine selling pocket-sized pieces of art.

The former chocolate vending machine, installed at Swindon's Arts Centre, is the third such device created by artists Tim Carroll and Gordon Dickinson.

Ex condom machines in the Beehive pub in Prospect Place and the Victoria, Victoria Road, have each dispensed 2,000 handmade pieces at £1 a time.

Every mini artwork is unique and could be made of wire, wood, glass or plastic or be in the form of tiny oil paintings, slate etchings or even computer-generated graphics.

Proceeds from the machine will be divided between the Arts Centre and the Contemporary Artists of Swindon.

The machine will dispense pieces made by CAOS members, who number between 40 and 50. Tim, 44, of Colbourne Street, said: "Having it in the arts centre is a major coup for us Swindon artists.

"It is a great opportunity for individuals to get their work out to a public interested in art not just people in pubs."

Tim said the element of surprise was key to the project's success.

"It is a bit like a Christmas cracker or having a go on a lucky dip," he added. "I think people give them as gifts as well because they are packed up."

They came up with the idea when they saw a tampon vending machine selling art in the Hayward gallery in London.

"We were disappointed with what came outand we thought we could do better," Tim said.

Clarry Bean, manager of the Arts Centre, said: "The proceeds from the machine will be ploughed back into the venue so it is a win-win situation."