Art-o-mat, Retired Cigarette Vending Machines Converted to Sell Art

Started in 1997 by Clark Whittington of Artists in Cellophane in North Carolina, Art-o-mat machines sell small works of art from retired and converted cigarette vending machines. Each machine is beautifully customized (often in a retro design) and carries art from one of their many contributing artists. There are over 100 Art-o-mat locations around the world (mainly in the United States).

The mission of AIC is to encourage art consumption by combining the worlds of art and commerce in an innovative form. AIC believes that art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable. What better way to do this, than with a heavy, cold, steel machine?

If you’re an artist, Artists in Cellophane takes submissions for the Art-o-mat machines.

Take a look at some of these gorgeous machines: