It used to be that vending machines only sold stuff that was bad for you – a package of Twinkies, say, or a pack of cigarettes. Cincinnati is home to a vending machine that sells art – sculptures, paintings, photographs, puzzles, collages, jewelry and more – all sized to fit in a small, cellophane-covered cardboard box.

The machine that sells them is called an Art*o*mat, a vending machine that’s given up cigarettes in favor of dispensing works from about 400 artists all over the world. The cost to pull the knob and go home with an original work of art: $5, not much more than a pack of cigarettes.

The experience of pulling the knob alone is quite a thrill, but you also walk away with an original work of art. Ker-plunk! What an easy way to become an art collector.

I made a visit to Artworks the other day. You have to ring the bell to get in, and be sure to quickly explain that you want to use the machine before they think a stranger has just muscled his way into their offices. I talked to Millicent, the very pleasant gallery director – pay her a compliment when you go! And I acquired two fine pieces, a plaster model of a wooden print and a little painting. I wonder if I can find a frame small enough?

More info at the Enquirer, CityBeat, ArtWorks, and the original Art-o-mat.

(Sorry for the poor picture qualities.)