OK, I think I have mentioned before that I love the penny smashing machines at most tourist stops. You know, you put 51 cents in and the machine presses your penny with a design relating to the tourist attraction. I don't get everyone one I can, but I do try to get one from every stop we make.
I also love Mold-A-Rama. Mold-A-Rama is not too common though. Some tourist stops still have them. Usually for a couple of bucks, you get a one piece plastic toy relating to a tourist attraction. The vending machine actual molds your item as you watch!
Well, I think I might have a new favorite vending machine!
I found this vending machine at Rock City!
It looks like the "Art o mat" people have taken those cool old cigarette machines and retooled them to sell original art!For $5, you can buy a small, original artwork! I picked a 2 inch by 2 inch painting of the sun by Sarah Whittington (see photo).
I thought $5 for such a cool little piece of art was a bargain! I regret not buying a few more. In fact, I am planning another trip to Rock City, and I plan on saving up some fivers JUST to spend on Art-o-mat.
I love the fact that they are using old cigarette vending machines for this project too! They are retro, they are a bit taboo, AND I just feel so darn cool using one. Pulling the nob on the old smoke machines feels rebellious. I feel like I am doing something I am not supposed to do.
The Art o mat people obviously are doing this as a labor of love. At $5 a pop, they can't be making a huge profit. I think the Art o mat people must just love getting nice, original artwork out there for anyone to appreciate! I hope we see more Art o mat vending machines in more places!
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