On my recent visit to Chicago, I madly searched for an original, meaningful, yet inexpensive gift for John’s birthday. While visiting The Chicago Cultural Center I found a treasure chest of gift possibilities in the Art-o-mat.
Art-o-mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines converted to vend art. Each slot carries an original, hand made piece of art that fits in a 2” x 3” x 1” box (a cigarette box). The artwork varies from tiny paintings, photographs, jewelry to sculpture and soap. There are more then 400 contributing artists from 10 countries and no two pieces are alike.
The idea started in 1997 by Clark Whittington in the cigarette capital of the world, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And when you see the Art-o-mat you will think to yourself “damn, I wish I thought of that!"
Find an Art-o-mat machine near you.
Artwork by Diane Keys of Elgin, IL. John received one of her pieces for his birthday.
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