What is Art*o*mat®?

What is Art*o*mat®? Created by Clark Whittington in 1997, Art*o*mat® machines are retired cigarette machines that have been converted to VEND ART! For only $5 you can collect paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass, mixed media and more -all the size of a pack of cigarettes. There are over 100 active machines in various locations throughout the country. Victoria Brown (that's me), and El Centro de Santa Fe are proud to host the first machine in New Mexico which debuted in February 2013. There are now 8 machines in northern New Mexico (Santa Fe and Albuquerque area). @ARToMatNM on Facebook/Instagram

Monday, November 24, 2014

Art*o*mat® Is Now In 4 Locations For You!


Greetings Art*o*mat® friends and fans! I now have four fabulous art vending machines for you to explore and enjoy! Last week I installed two new machines: in the Range Cafe in Bernalillo and in the Standard Diner in downtown Albuquerque.  Scroll down to past posts to see installation photos. Please visit my new locations -and come hungry because they're both really great restaurants. And since it's almost time to jingle those bells remember Art*o*mat® makes great stocking stuffers!
Christmas is coming and Art*o*mat® makes great STOCKING STUFFERS!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Art*o*mat Installed in Standard Diner in Albuquerque!



Standard Diner, 320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM Open Daily 7am-9pm
Meet "Black bART"-a repurposed Nantional brand 1950's cigarette machine.

You can find "Black bART" right outside the hallway to the restrooms at Standard Diner.
"Black bART" will live under the Guy Fieri poster (to be replaced) from Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Standard Diner has several of its creative classic diner dishes with modern flair that Guy featured on his show.

A million thanks to Genie for helping me load/unload and set up again. I can't believe she was up to doing it two days in a row.  I am forever grateful to my friend (who is 72 -and she said I could say that!)

Standard Diner is on Central Avenue -old Route 66. Get your kicks -and some bacon-wrapped meatloaf!
The slick and swanky Standard Diner was once a tire store.




Thursday, November 13, 2014

Art*o*mat Installed in Range Cafe Bernalillo!

Range Cafe, Bernalillo 925 S Camino del Pueblo. Open Daily 7:30am to 9pm

Restaurant owner and long time Art*o*mat® fan Matt DiGregory tries the machine for the first time.


Here's "PlumMAT" tucked cozily into "her" corner of the foyer of Range Cafe, Bernalillo, NM.


I couldn't have done it without my awesome helper, Genie (on the right).
Hey there friends and fans of Art*o*mat®! I am SO HAPPY to report to you that today's installation in the Range Cafe, Bernalillo went smoothly and that "PlumMAT" is cozily tucked in to "her" corner of the restaurant's foyer -ready to meet new friends!  First of all I have to say a hearty "thank you" to Genie Schuller, my good buddy, who was available to help load and unload the machine. You're a life-saver, Genie! Let's do it all again tomorrow! Many thanks go to the wonderful Range employees, especially Angel, hostess Carmen, and Pamela from the gift store.  I am so grateful that I was greeted with enthusiasm and support for the Art*o*mat® program. They really get it! I think Range Cafe with all its artsy splendor is going to be a perfect host venue.  Genie and I enjoyed a fabulous lunch before heading back to Santa Fe to load up the black machine for tomorrow's installation in the Standard Diner.
Range employee, Angel, and I pose with "PlumMAT."
Range employee, Angel, and hostess, Carmen, dig their new Art*o*mat®!


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

NEW Art*o*mat® Machines to be Installed in the Range Cafe, Bernalillo, on Thursday and Standard Diner, Albuquerque, on Friday!

Here's a new Art*o*mat® with color-changing etched mirror who will live at The Range Cafe in Bernalillo, NM.
If you happen to be lunching at the Range Cafe in Bernalillo, NM this Thursday, November 13th, then you can meet New Mexico's third Art*o*mat machine. This gorgeous plum-colored early-to-mid-50's National brand cigarette machine has an amazing etched mirror with color-changing light effects that glow behind the UFO-looking hot air balloon design by Winston-Salem artist, Charlie Cook. It's really one of the more innovative design concepts I've ever seen in an Art*o*mat®. I plan to be installing this beauty around 11am if all goes well and "she'll" be hanging out in the foyer of the restaurant where hungry patrons wait for their tables and amazing food. If you're in the area come meet who I've been calling "PlumMAT."  The Range Cafe is located on old Route 66 in Bernalillo. 925 S Camino del Pueblo. Open daily from 7:30 am -9:00pm.
Meet "Black bART," the slickest muther of Art*o*mat® machines ever to grace New Mexico! Standard Diner, Albuquerque.
And if you're out to lunch on Friday, November 14th, you can meet the fourth edition to my Art*o*mat® family.  I'll be installing "him" around 11am at Standard Diner in Albuquerque. This early-to-mid-50's National brand cigarette machine is all shiny and black with turquoise and orange pinstriping.  "He's" a real black beauty but since I'm striving to have the words "ART" or "MAT" in the machines' names I'm calling "him" "Black bART." The slick design of this machine matches the vibe of Standard Diner.  The diner boasts creative modern takes on classic comfort food and "Black bART" fits right in with "his" modern take on a classic cigarette machine -serving up healthy doses of art!  You can't miss "him" on your way to the loo... Right under the poster of Guy Fieri. I think Guy would approve! Standard Diner is located at 320 Central Avenue SE in Albuquerque. Hey, isn't that Route 66 too? Cool! Open daily from 7:00am - 9:00pm. Come hungry!