Meet Our Newest Work of Art: The Art-o-mat®

Sometimes the most memorable art experiences happen in the most unexpected places.

We're excited to announce that we've installed an Art-o-mat® in our store! This one-of-a-kind vending machine began its life in the 1950s as a 22-column National cigarette vending machine, but today it has a much more inspiring purpose. Lovingly restored with a dazzling coat of sparkly red automotive paint, rechromed to a brilliant shine, and filled with 22 selections of original miniature artwork, it's now ready to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

The Art-o-mat® project began in 1997, when artist Clark Whittington transformed a vintage cigarette machine into a way to make original art more accessible. Today, hundreds of artists from across the country contribute tiny, handcrafted works that fit inside cigarette-pack-sized boxes, turning every pull of the handle into a small moment of discovery.

In an age of one-click shopping and instant downloads, the Art-o-mat® invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Purchase a token at the register, slip it into the machine, pull the hefty chrome handle, and listen for the unmistakable "ker-PLUNK!" as your mystery artwork arrives. It's delightfully analog, wonderfully unexpected, and just plain fun.

Whether you're an avid art collector, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply want to experience the joy of discovering something unexpected, we invite you to stop by and give it a try. Our Art-o-mat® is available exclusively in-store, so the next time you visit Prince Ink, don't miss the chance to take home a little piece of original art.

We can't wait to see which tiny masterpiece you discover!

To learn more about the Art-o-mat® project and its participating artists, visit artomat.org. Guidelines for artists interested in participating in the project can be found there too.