Submit to Art-O-Mat

Here at Art-o-mat®, submissions from artists are welcome at any time. Since our project is ongoing, we are always interested in new work. We fully respect the rights of artistic freedom and enjoy working with artists of all levels. However, our machines are not as forgiving when it comes to size/structure. Strict adherence to our guidelines is necessary as any deviation from the specifications below will cause vending difficulty, logistical problems and unnecessary expense (our hosts, our studio and you…the artist). Our selections are made based on effort, craftsmanship and originality. With that said, a key factor in our review process is how the final piece will be viewed in the hands of someone who may have never bought art before.

Once accepted, where your artwork is placed is based on the needs of our venues. If you have some “wish list” venues, we will try to get your work placed there. If all goes well, prepare to be asked for more. If you are only able to keep us in stock periodically, that is ok. But, consider your involvement as a long term relationship and send work when you can. We want Art-o-mat to be part of your ongoing art production/promotion.

About

The inspiration for Art-o-mat® came to artist Clark Whittington while observing a friend who had a Pavlovian reaction to the crinkle of cellophane. When the friend heard someone opening a snack, he had the uncontrollable urge to have one too.
In June 1997, Clark was set to have a solo art show at a local cafe, Penny Universitie in Winston-Salem, N.C. He used a recently-banned cigarette machine to create the first Art-o-mat®. It was installed along with 12 of his paintings. The machine sold Clark’s black & white photographs mounted on blocks for $1.00 each.
The show was scheduled to be dismantled in July 1997. However, owner Cynthia Giles loved the machine and asked that it stay permanently. At that point, it was clear that involvement of other artists was needed if the project was going to continue. Cynthia introduced Clark to a handful of other local artists and the group Artists in Cellophane (AIC) was formed.

The original Art-o-mat®

The machine remained unaltered in its original location until 2010.
AIC is the sponsoring organization of Art-o-mat®. The mission of AIC is to encourage art consumption by combining the worlds of art and commerce in an innovative form. AIC believes that art should be progressive, yet personal and approachable. What better way to do this, than with a heavy, cold, steel machine?

Here’s how you get started:

1. Think of what you would like to produce for the project. Try to avoid any mass production process that could lessen the quality of your work. The vending process is only the beginning of your Art-o-Mat® art. Once out of the machine, your work is a reflection of you and your art. Many pieces have been carried around the globe. So, think of approaches that do not convey “a Sunday afternoon at the copy shop” and consider ways that your art will be appreciated for years to come.
2. All submissions require a single vend-ready, non-returnable prototype of your art. Please do not send a prototype that is not fully rendered to the specifications below. Prototypes should be in a box or on a block and wrapped in acetate. All prototypes are inspected for suitability in the project. After inspection, they are placed into the AIC permanent archives.
3. The final size should be 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″ (54mm x 82mm x 21mm). THE FINAL SIZE OF YOUR ART (INCLUDING THE ACETATE WRAP) NEEDS TO BE EXACTLY 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ x 7/8″.  IF YOU CUT YOUR OWN BLOCKS…THE FINAL SIZE STILL NEEDS TO BE  7/8″ THICK. 
4. Most 2/D artists (painters, printmakers, etc) produce their pieces on our wood blocks, while most 3/D artists (sculptors, jewelers, etc.) place their work in our boxes. Watercolor paper or illustration board can easily increase the thickness of standard plywood to 7/8″. Our blocks are 3/4″ thick. So, even if you buy blocks from us…more thickness is required. If you use our boxes, all is to spec. Just, you must fill the package so it will be rigid and add some weight. So, pack it full of tissue or some sort of presentable packing material.
5. Digital prints, inkjet desktop prints, photocopies, etc are discouraged. Art-o-mat buyers like to see some sort of “human touch” vs something mechanized.
6. Once you are ready to begin, please download our Submission Form to send along with your prototype. For your prototype, you can download our box template and use your own materials: Box Template. If you would prefer to receive samples of our official boxes and blocks, we sell Prototype Kits ($10) that will help to formulate your concept and/or approach. We accept paypal (using the address clark@artomat.org) or checks sent to Artists in Cellophane, 5000 Rushland Drive, Winston-Salem NC 27104.
7. Your name and contact info is required to be clearly displayed on each piece. The most successful Art-o-mat works include support material about the artist. Think of ways to present yourself in the event someone wants to learn about your other artistic ventures. The goal of this project is to create valid, professional relationships between the artist and the patron. Keep in mind that in many cases, the Art-o-mat can be someone’s first art purchase. Artists who specifically ask “who bought me” often hear feedback and find out where their work ends up.
8. Make sure your pieces of art SHOULD NOT CONTAIN MAGNETS, BALLOONS, GLITTER, CONFETTI OR ITEMS PROCESSED WITH PEANUTS. No exceptions. Please use common sense and do not create work with materials that are potentially hazardous. If applicable, please label on the outside of your piece that it is rated “R” or “Small Parts-Not for Children”.
9. If you use our boxes, please assemble with white glue (not double stick tape as it will release). The final piece should have weight and structure so it will not easily crush. Packing material (colored tissue, micro bubble wrap, etc) also adds weight, which helps the vending process. Our boxes are light and need added structure or packing material inside. To recap: ADD WEIGHT, PACKING MATERIAL AND/OR SOMETHING TO ADD INTERNAL STRUCTURE. 
10. Wrap .003 ml acetate around each piece. Use clear “very sticky” tape to affix acetate and make sure the acetate is taut. Please do not use frosted tape or low tack labels that will release. This is important, as it will cause vending problems and incidental expense. All art must be wrapped in acetate.
11. Make a 2 X 2″ square placard to identify your column in the machine. This is the main interface between your art that the buyer. The message should be simple and clear. A brief description of your work and your name is a good place to start. Upon request, we can create placards if you are unable (or shy).
12. Print out and sign the official Submission Form (pdf) and include it with your shipment. Submission of art is confirmation that you agree to the terms and conditions stated on this site. Send your prototype to us at: Artists in Cellophane, 5000 Rushland Drive, Winston-Salem NC 27104

WHAT COMES NEXT: If your prototype is accepted, you will be notified by A.I.C. to begin production. There is a minimum requirement of 50 finished pieces. All work must be delivered to A.I.C. ready to vend and in no need of repair. All shipments of art not to specification will be sent back with an invoice for return shipping. The city and machine where your artwork will be placed is based upon the needs of our venues and is at the discretion of A.I.C. and our Hosts. Depending on your work, the needs of our hosts and the time of year, it can sometimes take a few months to get your work placed in a machine. So, please be patient.

Most vend prices are fixed at $5.00. Artists will receive $2.50 per sale, on consignment (we generally send out artist payments on a quarterly basis…sometimes sooner). The remaining percentage is split between project support, the host venue and/or donations to charity. Artists are solely responsible for content of artworks and listing of profits on taxes. We suggest that all artists should consider researching a “Certificate of Liability” insurance policy.

You can use your own materials any material can be used as long as the final art meets our guidelines. However, as a service to participating Art-o-mat artists, we sell “at cost” boxes and blocks in sets of 50. Please understand that our studio only makes income when these materials are returned as art. Official Art-o-mat boxes or blocks are NOT for use outside of Art-o-mat machines.

LEGAL STUFF: By submitting artwork to us, you represent and warrant to Artists in Cellophane (AIC) that the artwork you provide to AIC complies with all of the foregoing guidelines, which guidelines may be changed by AIC from time to time. You further represent and warrant that such artwork is of merchantable quality, free from all defects, and suitable for resale to the public via AIC’s Art-o-mat machines. You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AIC and its successors, assigns, owners, proprietors, directors, employees, volunteers, representatives, Art*o*mat machine hosts and subhosts, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all past, present, and future claims, liabilities, losses, costs, damages, and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs) arising out: (a) the inaccuracy of the foregoing representation or breach of the foregoing warranty; or (b) the design, production, distribution, sale, or use of the artwork provided by you to AIC.

 http://www.artomat.org/