What a cute idea! Those adorable-if-toxic cigarette machines from yesteryear that were originally designed to lure teenage smokers are now being rehabilitated (redeemed, really) to dispense art, packed into little cigarette-pack-sized boxes. The adorable machines restored and repurposed by the folks at Art-O-Mat are making their way around the world, popping up at museums and galleries, bars, cafes, theaters, and even supermarkets! (Whole Foods, of course.) They are made in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which city is home to dozens of them.

There are more than 400 artists who contribute pieces to the machines, which are restocked regularly. I wonder if everything comes out of those machines smelling like the Marlboro Man.

You can learn more about Art-O-Mat and find a machine near you on their website. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Fresh ArToMaT heading to California soon. It will reside in a dentist’s office which has a curated waiting room full of art. Stay tuned. ••• Times are still odd. Please take care of yourself, check in with friends/family, support the local (businesses, museums, artists, musicians, etc) and follow your state’s safety protocols to quell the pathogen. If you need a cultural “pick me up” we can ship stuff to your door. Visit ArToMaT.org to see our online offerings. #artomat #artvendingmachine

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 30, 2020 at 10:52pm PDT

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We got a rare behind the scenes view of @chadberothart ‘s studio today. Such a tight, organized and functional space. Also, the artist has an impressive ArToMaT collection. If you are an artist and are interested in being involved during our unique day/age…please visit ArToMaT.org for more info. Prototype kits, ArToCartons, etc are available in our online store. #artomat #artvendingmachine #originalart #charlescalebcoltonwasjoking

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 2, 2020 at 10:30pm PDT

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Our ArToMaT @joymongersbarrelhall in #wsnc just got a fresh restock of art. Here are some of the selections we loaded. $1.00 per vend goes to @pawanewleash to help at risk doggos. Joymongers has plenty of space to safely hang out. They also have cans to enjoy at home. If you aren’t near one of our host venues…we can ship culture to your door. Visit ArToMaT.org for more information. #artomat #artvendingmachine

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 23, 2020 at 11:27pm PDT

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Another “Movie Night” ArToCarton shipping out. Inside these cartons you will find 10 artworks that reflect the content commonly found in an Art-o-mat machine. #artomat #artvendingmachine #artistsinvited #artisessential Visit ArToMaT.org for more information. #pleasestaysafe

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on May 30, 2020 at 11:35pm PDT

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We are always interested in speaking with arts friendly…community focused venues. Organizations who feel that hosting one of our ArToMaT installations could be a good fit…please visit ArToMaT.org for more information. #artomat #artvendingmachine #original #artistsinvited

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jun 16, 2020 at 11:42pm PDT

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ArToCartons shipping out this holiday weekend. Inside these boxes are 10 artworks that reflect the art content commonly found in Art-o-mat machines. #artomat #artvendingmachine #artistsinvited #artisessential Visit ArToMaT.org for more information.

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on May 22, 2020 at 11:59pm PDT

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Our ArToMaT @earlsws just got a fresh restock of art. Their interior is very open and there is plenty of outdoor, spaced out seating. They are ready to greet you. #artomat #earlswsnc #artvendingmachine #artistsinvited #charlescalebcoltonwasjoking Our online store via ArToMaT.org can also deliver culture to your door if you are not close to one of our venues/installs. #livewithart

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 18, 2020 at 4:17pm PDT

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Art-o-carton® – Movie Night Edition. Inside you will receive a collection of 10 original artworks with at least 5 being movie themed. Also included is a box of movie candy (random brand names) and a bag of Pop Secret microwavable popcorn or a pan of Jiffy Pop popcorn. Upon ordering, you will he prompted to specify your popcorn preference. Visit ArToMaT.org to order. *** Please note that the Jiffy Pop is designed for old school stove tops (electric coil or gas burners) and will scratch glass top ranges. Follow mfg instructions.*** #artomat #choosempathy #imdownwithcdcyeahyouknowme PS. Many of our host venues are still closed. But, as we all are transitioning out of stay at home declarations…please be patient, nice and wear a mask to prevent the spread. ArToMaT.org

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 14, 2020 at 12:01am PDT

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Our ArToMaT at Red Dog Gallery #wsnc just got a fresh restock of art. #artomat #reddoggallerywinstonsalemnc #originalart #charlescalebcoltonwasjoking . Not near one of our installs? Visit our online shop via ArToMaT.org. We’ll ship culture to you!

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jul 14, 2020 at 5:59pm PDT

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Custom curated ArToCarton shipping to a friend. #artomat #artisessential #artomat #icons #heroes #denniswellsartwork @dennis_wells_art ArToMaT.org

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jun 2, 2020 at 12:12pm PDT

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ArToMaT returns to Chicago soon. Looks for this beauty @royalpalmschicago in Feb-ish. #artomat #artistsinvited #participatedontreplicate #charlescalebcoltonwasjoking

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Jan 15, 2020 at 5:57pm PST

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Our Reynolda House @curatereynolda just got a fresh restock of art. #artomat #artvendingmachine #artistsinvited #participatedontreplicate #charlescalebcoltonwasjoking

A post shared by Art-o-mat ® (@artomat) on Oct 23, 2019 at 6:47pm PDT