April 2, 2025
Photos by Rosemary Frank and Ryan Gauthier
Looking for unique artwork to spruce up your space? Want a new avenue to sell your mini masterpieces?
Check out the Museum of Art and Archaeology, home to Missouri’s only Art-o-Mat, a vintage cigarette vending machine that’s been converted into an art dispenser. For $5, visitors can purchase a special token to insert in the Art-o-mat. Spanning a range of mediums, each selection is one-of-a-kind and supports the artists whose works are featured in the machine.
“We are really leaning into making a visit to the museum fun, with moments of discovery throughout, in the galleries, our Museum Store, and with additions like the Art-o-mat,” said Marie Nau Hunter, deputy director of the Museum of Art and Archaeology, who coordinated efforts to bring the machine to Mizzou.
The museum’s Art-o-Mat is among 200 repurposed cigarette vending machines found worldwide that dispense pocket-sized paintings, sculptures, zines, jewelry, and an assortment of other objects d’art.
“There’s joy in the discovery of a great artist and their work,” said Clark Whittington, conceptional artist and creator of the original Art-o-Mat. “These first impressions can lead to heightened exposure and future opportunities, including art commissions.”
Currently, however, there is only one Missouri artist commissioned by Art-o-Mat. The Museum of Art & Archaeology is eager to see more from the Show Me State.
“We’d love to support Missouri artists and our alumni by spotlighting their work,” Hunter said. “We encourage them to check into the process.”
The Museum of Art and Archaeology and Museum of Anthropology, both located in the lower level of Ellis Library, are open to the public, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Admission is always free.
The effort to place the museum's Art-o-Mat was funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
Artists interested in contributing works can get started by viewing the Art-o-Mat guidelines for artists.
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