Cincinnati nonprofit ArtWorks is making art more accessible to everyone thanks to a new machine that dispenses tiny masterpieces for just a few dollars.
The Art-O-Mat is a repurposed cigarette vending machine located in the new ArtWorks headquarters at 2429 Gilbert Ave. in Walnut Hills. For just $5, you can get an original, 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″ piece of art created by an Art-O-Mat contributing artist. ArtWorks will provide you with special tokens to use on the machine.
Clark Whittington founded the Art-O-Mat concept in 1997, and there are now more than 200 Art-O-Mat vending machines worldwide. Each machine has a unique look that was designed by professional artists from around the world. Located in places like coffee shops, galleries and museums, these machines move almost 25,000 works of art by 400 contributing artists each year.
The Art-O-Mat at ArtWorks’ headquarters was designed by Phoenix-based visual storyteller Teresa Villegas and is the only one in Cincinnati. It’s located on the first floor of the building and is currently available by appointment only from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can email info@artworkscincinnati.org or call 513-333-0388 to ensure availability. Public hours will be announced at a later date.
“It’s a joy to bring Cincinnati its only Art-O-Mat as part of our new headquarters,” Colleen Houston, ArtWorks’ CEO and artistic director, said in a press release. “This innovative machine offers a unique way for people to experience and purchase original art at an accessible price point. At ArtWorks, we are committed to bringing art to our community in meaningful and creative ways, and the Art-O-Mat is a perfect example of this. We also encourage local artists of all levels to get involved by submitting their work for consideration.”
ArtWorks adds that artists of any level are welcome to submit their works for consideration for the Art-O-Mat.
The first floor of ArtWorks’ new headquarters will also house the organization’s new gallery, which will showcase work created by participants in the Gallery Fellowship Program. There will be a grand opening and public dedication for the new building, as well as the Hannan ArtPark, located just across from the building, on April 26.
This is the second Art-O-Mat ArtWorks has brought to Cincinnati. The first one was here from 2004 to 2009.
ArtWorks, 2429 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills. More info: artworkscincinnati.org.
This article appears in Jan 8-21, 2025.
