ARTWORK that comes in small boxes from a vending machine is the latest novel way to acquire pictures.

The project, originally developed in London, has been running for ten years but is comparatively new to this region. Only 14 machines are located at any one time in the country.

The Gallery at Masham has acquired one of the distinctive yellow and black machines, which are known as Hayvends after the artist who thought up the idea.

Customers just slot in a couple of £1 coins to buy a piece of original art, albeit small and in a strange format.

Most of the machines are based in London or major galleries, but Josie Beszant, owner of the gallery at 24 Market Place, loved the idea so much she convinced the founder, artist John Hayward, that it could work in rural North Yorkshire.

He believes in distributing art without the trappings of elitism that often surround it, and thinks that while art should challenge, no-one should feel the need for an academic degree to appreciate it.

Many artists have produced work for the machines; some are fresh from college, others exhibit successfully around the country.

Customers at The Gallery have so far acquired a DIY Damien Hirst spot painting, a small charcoal drawing and an artist designed t-shirt transfer among other things.

* Artists can apply to have work placed in hayvend machines; see the site at www.hayvend.com to find out more.