Back in 1997, artist Clark Whittington (pictured above) had an idea that was equal parts ingenious and playful: why not repurpose an old cigarette vending machine (which were outlawed in 1997) to sell miniature works of art? In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he did just that—stocking it with small, original pieces that could be purchased with a few dollars and the satisfying pull of a chrome knob. That first machine became the seed of what is now known as Art-o-Mat.
Nearly thirty years later, the project has grown into a nationwide (and even international) phenomenon. Today, there are over 200 Art-o-Mat machines scattered across museums, galleries, libraries, coffee shops, and other public spaces. Each one has the same nostalgic, retro look: a lovingly restored mid-century cigarette machine. But instead of tobacco, they dispense tiny artworks the size of a cigarette pack—paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, zines, and more—each created by one of hundreds of participating artists.
Art-o-Mat at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, VA
Here in Norfolk, the Chrysler is proud to host two Art-o-Mat machines, offering a total of 44 selections of artwork at any given time. With such a wide range of choices, there’s always something new to discover—whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular.
The two machines at the Chrysler are located in the Museum Shop in the main museum building, and in the lobby at the Perry Glass Studio. You can purchase tokens at either location.
Fun fact: Did you know that Art-O-Mat tokens are the #1 best selling item at the Chrysler Shop? Our visitors love it!
How Does It Work?
Browsing an Art-o-Mat is part of the fun. Each machine is stocked with a mix of artists and media, so you never know what might catch your eye. When you’re ready to make a purchase:
- Pick your favorites: Browse the display cards to see what’s available
- Get your tokens: Purchase tokens at the counter for just $5 each (and yes—Museum members get a discount!)
- Drop your token into the coin slot
- Pull the handle & let go: With a satisfying tug, your chosen artwork will ker-plunk into the slot below
For just a few dollars, you’ve become the owner of an original piece of art—small enough to slip into your pocket, but carrying all the personality of the artist who made it. You can feel good about supporting your local museum, as well as the artists behind every artwork from Art-o-mat.
Art-o-Carton
If you'd like the thrill of supporting artists from the convenience of your own home, you can purchase 10 artworks, and they'll be shipped to you in our exclusive Art-O-Carton. Shipping within the continental United States is included in the price. You will get 10 different artworks from 10 different artists, selected at random. Perfect for party favors, office gifts, or if you want to jump-start your own collection.
Want to Participate?
Artists are invited to participate in the project... especially artists local to the Hampton Roads area! To get started, head over to artomat.org/guidelines to apply. You can also find more info about Art-o-mat's history, as well as an interactive map showing all of the locations at the Art-o-mat website.
Some of the artists in the local region that have been featured in our machines include Dorie Hanes (crocheted donuts and fortune cookies), Louisa Adelfio (prints), and Laurie Glick of Salty Sea Co. (beach-themed jewelry).
