Tennessee Performing Arts Center Announces Installation of Art*O*Matic Machine, 4/27

 

 

Today, April 27, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center announces the installation of an Art*O*Mat® machine, located on Center Landing between the lobbies of Andrew Jackson Hall and James K. Polk Theater. One of 88 worldwide, and one of only two in Tennessee, the Art*O*Mat is a vintage cigarette machine that has been repurposed to dispense one-of-a-kind artwork.   

The Art*O*Mat contains 110 pieces of original artwork from 22 different artists, each of which fits into a small box.  For a $5 donation, patrons can select a variety of paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more from the vending machine.  A portion of the donation goes directly to TPAC’s educational and cultural programs. 

“I learned about Art*O*Mat at a recent Tennessee Arts Commission conference, and knew it would be a wonderful addition to TPAC,” said Roberta Ciuffo West, executive vice president for institutional advancement.  “Part of TPAC’s mission is making arts accessible to all, and buying fine art is not feasible for the vast majority.  To be able to buy an original piece of artwork for only $5 – and donate to TPAC education simultaneously – is a great thing.  We’re honored to host this machine.  Early response has been fantastic.  In fact, some artist categories are already sold out.” 

Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based artist Clark Whittington created Art*O*Mat in 1997 for a solo show in a local café.  From there, Whittington joined forces with other area artists to expand the project.  Artists in Cellophane (A.I.C.), the sponsoring organization of Art*O*Mat is based on the concept of taking art and "repackaging" it to make it part of our daily lives. The mission of A.I.C. is to encourage art consumption by combining the worlds of art and commerce in an innovative form. A.I.C. believes that art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable. 

Artist contributions to Art*O*Mat are considered on an open, ongoing basis for this machine as well as machines across the country.  Area artists are encouraged to inquire. For more information, visit www.artomat.org.

 

 

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