Best of Cleveland 2016: Art Vending Machine

For less than a pack of cigarettes, the Cleveland Artifact Machine will put you on the path to a smoking hot art collection. E11even 2 art gallery co-owner and artist Rich Cihlar rehabbed a 1960s National 222 cigarette machine into an art dispensing device that spits out individually boxed and cellophane-wrapped original works made by him for $5 a pop. “For a few bucks, you gave yourself a present,” he says. “You have to open it up and see what’s inside.” Located just outside Cihlar’s gallery in the 78th Street Studios, the machine has 22 slots loaded with cigarette box-sized works that all follow a theme. One slot contains black and gray skull-shaped sculptures, another holds fun occult items such as miniature Ouija boards, and another has contemporary paintings. But half the fun is the act of pulling the knob, pushing it back in and hearing the satisfying kachunk of your new work of art dropping down into the tray. “It’s interactive,” Cihlar says. “You’ve got to put a little muscle into it. It’s about the experience.” 1300 W. 78th St., Suite 112, Cleveland, 440-724-9261,
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