In our auction post earlier today, artist Liz Tran mentioned Art-o-mat. We'd been meaning to write about it, but we were going to wait until we actually made it to Rayko Photo Center to check it out.
We're just too impatient. Art-o-mat is the coolest thing. There are 82 retired cigarette vending machines across the country -- but put in (approximately) $5, pull the knob, and instead of cigarettes, out pops a piece of art.
Art-o-mat encourages art consumption by making it immediately accessible. We love North Carolina artist Clark Whittington for coming up with the idea.
Click here to see the list of locations, which include SF, Sacramento, Eugene, and Tacoma.
i remember when the art-o-mat first came out - such an amazing yet simple concept. i've yet to actually come across one (thanks for the links to where they are!) but i have seen the art dispensed by them. fantastic to say the least.
I came across a similar machine in Buenos Aires last year, in a great art collective shop in Palermo Soho. Such a great idea - art for the masses. We chose three times and each time were not disappointed.
Just saw one yesterday at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. It was out of order though :( Hopefully next time I'll be able to see it in action.
How much does it cost for a piece of art?
brilliant! what a fantastic (and very green!) idea. I can't wait to go find one. it'd be a cool thing to have brought to an event or party for 'party favors' or a fund raiser.
and to make it all the more sweet... clark is a great guy. i am fortunate enough to be from his town, winston-salem and to be there from the beginning of the art-o-mat... great stuff! so happy to see how far it has traveled since its humble beginnings at 6th and trade!
Nicki, I've seen these around and I think they are about $5, which is enough to make me think twice, but if you were looking for a treat or a nice souvenir of an event or trip, like a first date or something, it would be fun to get a surprise. I think you choose the type of thing but not the individual item.
Yes, it does say $5 on the information. I was excited to read they have become so worldwide.
I have a couple of awesome little pieces from the Art-o-mat here at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento... FABOOO!! Just faboooo!