CreateHere will bring a new channel for creative patronage to Chattanooga's art scene. The Art-o-mat — re-purposed vintage cigarette machines vending cigarette-pack sized art pieces — make original creations accessible to customers around the world, for less than a pack of slims.
Officials said, "We’re happy to announce that Chattanooga is getting an Art-o-mat of our very own. As far as we can tell, this is a first, not only for Chattanooga, but for the Southeast entire: Art-o-mats are limited to one per city. We'll celebrate the arrival of our custom Art-o-mat with a reception and keynote address from creator Clark Whittington on April 18, in conjunction with the Rivoli Art Mill’s Four Bridges After Party."
Artists in Cellophane, or AIC, sponsors the Art-o-mat program. This organization is based on the concept of “taking art and ‘repackaging’ it to make it part of our daily lives,” said Mr. Whittington. “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.”
In following with that theme, AIC makes Art-o-mat pieces available for $5.
Art-o-mat machines can be found across the U.S. and abroad, and feature work from a network of over 400 artists in 11 countries.
Mr. Whittington’s lecture will include a component on how Chattanooga artists can get involved in this program, making their diminutive art pieces available to an international audience.
New York’s Whitney Museum hosts a custom machine, and now so does CreateHere.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, with light hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Immediately following the Art-o-mat launch, guests are invited to continue the evening with the Rivoli Art Mill, at an event featuring music from Butch Ross.
For more information on Clark Whittington and Art-o-mats around the country, visit www.artomat.org. To learn more about the welcome reception, contact Elana Gulas by emailing elana@createhere.org or by calling 423 648-2195.