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Grab-and-go art

How ArT-o-MaT machines from Winston-Salem benefit artists

“Winston-Salem” is labeled somewhere on almost every machine. | Photo courtesy of ArT-o-MaT

Maybe you’ve noticed decommissioned cigarette machines selling pocket-sized art in restaurants, breweries, businesses, and museums around town. The idea was born in Winston-Salem — today, 200 ArT-o-MaT® machines around the world sell small pieces that elevate and support artists.

How it started

Clark Whittington created the first ArT-o-MaT in 1997 to sell his photographs in an art installation at a local coffee shop. The business owner loved the vending machine so much she refused to part with it when the exhibit was over. She introduced Whittington to other artists and the idea took off.

“Once we started inviting artists to be involved and their friends found out about it, it became something about achieving the goal of getting art into people’s hands,” Whittington told City Editor Cambridge.

artomat-machine-against-orange-wall — Whittington’s original machine on display at delurk.
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Photo by WStoday

How it’s going

Fast forward 26 years and ArT-o-MaTs can be found at places like Mojito Latin Soul Food and Earl’s in the Twin City — and as far away as Australia. There’s even one in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Each and every ArT-o-MaT piece sold costs $5, of which the artist makes half. The business still approves every artist that sells work in the machines. They are responsible for creating the pieces — ArT-o-MaT takes care of distributing it to businesses. Whittington says beyond earning a small commission for each piece sold, many artists use the arrangement as a form of advertising.

“We’re having artists make stuff that would represent their larger work. It gets their name and their art out to places that they would never get to otherwise,” Whittington said. “We always have artists put information either on or in the box of art to be able to have the buyers contact them.... That way artists can get bigger commission work for their regular-sized art.”

yellow-knit-kitten-beside-box — Artists that sell pieces range in age from seven to 98 years old.
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Photo by WStoday

Art for everyone

Collectively, ArT-o-MaT machines sell about 100,000 pieces a year. Whittington says the company is always looking for artists to keep the machines stocked. He hopes people continue to take heart in art that fits in the palm of their hand.

“It can be just something fresh that’s not from a big box store, or just something that makes you happy,” Whittington said. “How it comes to life after that is all within the person viewing it.”

Events

Monday, Dec. 18

Holiday Lights Ride | Monday, Dec. 18 | 6:15-8:30 p.m. | Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company, 772 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem | Free | Bring your bike to ride around to see holiday lights + enjoy tasty treats — registration encouraged.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Creative Adults Group Open Art Studio | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | B Balanced Counseling & Wellness, 110 Oakwood Dr., Ste. 450, Winston-Salem | $18 | Bring your own materials and relax while making original art — the studio is open to adults ages 18 and older.
“Swing into Christmas” | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Ardmore Baptist Church, 401 Miller St., Winston-Salem | Free | Enjoy swing music in the Winston-Salem Pops Chorus’s holiday choral show — donations are accepted.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Plastic Model Building | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 4-6 p.m. | Old Town Neighborhood Center, 4550 Shattalon Dr., Winston-Salem | Free | Bring your model planes, boats, and figurines to build in the company of others — anyone age 10 and up is welcome.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Seasonal

You have two more chances to cast a vote for your favorite downtown holiday window display. Voting in the “Window Wonderland” Dressing Competition, which can be done daily, closes tomorrow, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. — businesses have the opportunity to win up to $1,500.

Eat

Reservations are available for Roar’s Christmas Day Family Feast on Monday, Dec. 25. The buffet at the food hall on North Liberty Street costs $39.95 per person — attendees will also have access to free bowling, simulators, or mini golf.

Listen

Musical artist Marvelous Funkshun will present “A Marvelously Funky Christmas” on Friday, Dec. 22 at the Millennium Center on West 5th Street. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door — the show will start at 7 p.m.

Edu

Winston-Salem State University has begun the search for its next chancellor. The HBCU has formed a search committee made up of 13 members, which is the first formal first step of the process. (Triad Business Journal)

Winstonian

Winston-Salem native Abrea Armstrong is the new executive director of Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. She is the second person to hold the title at the organization, which was founded in 2007.

Older Adults

Senior Services Inc. is accepting donations for its annual Remember in December campaign through Dec. 30. Items like laundry detergent, wash cloths, and monetary contributions help older adults remain in their homes — donations can be dropped off at 2895 Shorefair Dr. or made online.

Correction

Pop the champagne. The price to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Eastern Standard (1131 Burke St.) has changed to a $10 cover charge. The event will kick off around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31.

Try This

Host a holiday to remember

How WStoday readers entertain holiday guests

holiday-lights-trees-candles-seasons-greetings

Tanglewood Festival of Lights is open nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1. | Photo by WStoday

We recently asked “What is your favorite activity to do with holiday visitors?” Here’s how WStoday readers responded:

50% — Give them a tour of our holiday lights and festivities
30% — Wine + dine them with our amazing food and bev scene
20% — Take them to a local landmark or hotspot

Some readers also shared suggestions for entertaining holiday visitors. Driving them through Tanglewood Festival of Lights was the most popular idea. Here are some others:

Judy S. recommends “The Vintage Shop in Lewisville [Lewisville Vintage] for so many beautiful Christmas gifts.”

Dawkins H. takes guests to “Reynolda sites then to Village Tavern in the village.”

Romona W. says “I love the bar and beer scene we have to offer. My faves are Joyner’s or Footnote.”

Do you have guests coming to town? Check out our holiday itinerary for more ways to entertain them around the city.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

I love the originality of each ArT-o-MaT. The machine that’s in the Bronx changes color as you walk by. I’m looking forward to spotting them during my travels from now on — it will feel like seeing a little piece of “home” each time I do.

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