CINCINNATI—ArtWorks’ new headquarters, located 2429 Gilbert Avenue in Walnut Hills, is now home to ArtWorks staff as well as Cincinnati’s only
Art-O-Mat: a repurposed cigarette vending machine that offers affordable, original art to the public for just $5 per piece.
One of more than 200 worldwide, the new machine is part of a project by Art-O-Mat founder Clark Whittington. They move nearly 25,000 works of art by 400 contributing artists annually, vending in coffee shops, galleries and museums. Each machine has a unique look, designed by professional artists from around the globe.
ArtWorks’ newly-acquired machine, designed by Phoenix-based visual storyteller Teresa Villegas, is located on the first floor of the new headquarters. This floor will also house ArtWorks’ new Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing work created by participants in the Gallery Fellowship Program, in 2025.
Each 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″ (54mm x 82mm x 21mm) piece is purchased using tokens available at ArtWorks. The machine is currently available by appointment only from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (closed Dec. 24, 2024–Jan. 1, 2025). Email
info@artworkscincinnati.org or call (513) 333–0388 to ensure availability. ArtWorks’ public hours will be announced in 2025. The new building and Hannan ArtPark
grand opening and public dedication will be held on April 26, 2025.
“It’s a joy to bring Cincinnati its only Art-O-Mat as part of our new headquarters,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks’ CEO and Artistic Director. “This innovative machine offers a unique way for people to experience and purchase original art at an accessible price point. At ArtWorks, we are committed to bringing art to our community in meaningful and creative ways, and the Art-O-Mat is a perfect example of this. We also encourage local artists of all levels to get involved by submitting their work for consideration.” Artists of all levels are invited to create
submit works for consideration for the machines.
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This is the second Art-O-Mat that ArtWorks has brought to Cincinnati. A previous machine was introduced in 2004, where it delighted visitors at ArtWorks’ previous offices until 2009.
About Art-O-Mat
Art-O-Mat began in 1997 as a conceptual artwork by Winston-Salem artist Clark Whittington, repurposing vintage cigarette machines to dispense works of art. Over the years, Art-o-mat has become a resident fixture in many art venues nationally and internationally, and the project has been recognized in shows at SECCA, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and through sprawling artist-collector networking events called art swaps. Machines have been installed in museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and at locations as far flung as Australia.
About ArtWorks
ArtWorks is a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that creates community-based public art providing career opportunities for artists of all ages. Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to create works of art that have helped to define Greater Cincinnati’s global reputation as an arts destination. Its mural program has made Cincinnati the #1 City for Street Art in USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. By employing and training over 3,500 professional artists and engaging 4,000 teens and young adults, ages 14–24, ArtWorks is actively investing in the creative economy. Through job creation that supports local talent and mentorship programs that pair professional artists with diverse teams of young people, their programs foster the development of 21st-century career-readiness skills. ArtWorks has created a vibrant citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects over the last 28 years. Among these are more than 300 permanent outdoor murals that contribute to Cincinnati’s rich cultural tapestry, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. ArtWorks partners with Hamilton County and Talbert House for seasonal apprentice funding. It also receives ongoing support from the City of Cincinnati, the Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, and individual donors.
