Clark Whittington Art O Mat

The inspiration for art o mat came to whittington while observing a friend who had a pavlovian reaction to the crinkle of cellophane.

Clark whittington art o mat.

Art o mat by clark whittington view all 18 photos. Includes introduction history images of the machines and samples of the artists work. The art o mat was invented in 1997 by artist clark whittington and they first came to chandler in 2009. Clark whittington second from right mingles with artists and guests at a small reception before the opening at secca of a show celebrating the 20th anniversary of art o mat in 2017.

Art o mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. Whittington is the founder and chief operator of art o mat. Winston salem is the home of art o mat and i worked with clark among a few. When whittington s friend heard someone opening a snack he had the uncontrollable urge to have one too.

Back in 1997 i refurbished. Project of artists in cellophane in which retired cigarette vending machines are used to dispense art. 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. 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.

Instead of dispensing their usual product vintage cigarette machines are refurbished to distribute little packs of art and without the health risk. Clark a conceptual artist who has found a way to vend art and develop new audiences for artists and makers purchased his first defunct vending machine more than 20 years ago with a vision. Inventory changes regularly so check back often. I first met clark as a sophomore in undergrad at salem college in winston salem nc.

Clark whittington creator of the art o mat. Things seem to reinvent themselves when artists become involved he says. They were invented by artist clark whittington. Originally a singular.

Clark whittington deserves a medal or some such high honor for his unique ongoing contribution to winston salem s art scene. Clark whittington my second innovator exemplar is an artist and the creator of the art o mat a widespread series of retired cigarette vending machines converted to vend art.