Art-o-mat creator to make an appearance in Keller

by Staff of Gay List Daily

The Art-o-mat is a vintage cigarette dispenser that’s kicked the habit and opted to dispense smoke pack-sized artwork instead.

KELLER — According to the Surgeon General (and your mama) smoking is bad for you. And no, the health risks aren’t reduced if you try and make it more glamorous by using one of those fancy long cigarette holders like you saw in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

So, why not spend five bucks a day on something that won’t give you wrinkles and a voice like Harvey Fierstein? Meet the Art-o-mat, a vintage cigarette dispenser that’s kicked the habit and opted to dispense smoke pack-sized artwork instead.

Nationally there are about 82 Art-o-mats in use in galleries and museums, containing works from 400 artists representing 10 countries. But the closest one in North Texas is at art251 in Keller.

And this Saturday and Sunday Art-o-mat creator Clark Whittington will be on hand presenting details about the token art movement and recruiting new artists.

During our visit, we dropped 20 bucks (4 tokens worth) and ended up with a painted wood block collage, a tiny brass bicycle sculpture from an artist in Ghana, a dragonfly key chain from Weener Ware (love the name) and, our fave, a Patron Saint For Modern Times cast stone “relief” in a box.

We pulled Saint Martha, “Patron Saint For Good Things.” Funny, we thought Martha was the Patron Saint of ice-cold demeanor?

Let’s hope none of these undiscovered artists die from smoking-related illness. The irony might be enough to inspire an Alanis Morrisette song sequel.

But on the bright side their work would be worth a fortune!