David Wainer

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Clark Whittington can probably retrofit a cigarette machine in his sleep. Since the first Art-o-mat appeared at Penny Universitie Café (now Mary’s of Course!) in 1997, the inventor of this pint-sized art dispenser has refurbished over 85 machines, and sent them not only around the country, but around the world. “I really try to scare people away from viewing Art-o-mat as a business or ‘my company,’” he says. “It’s more an art installation collaboration.” And collaboration it most certainly is. The machines collectively house over 400 artists from a dozen countries. “The artists’ guidelines are pretty liberal,” he says. “They just can’t use magnets…or peanuts.” For those interested in hosting a machine, one of Clark’s main requirements is that it is “a place with a sense of community that will encourage local artists. We’re not just selling art, we’re selling an experience.”


What do you like most about reading skirt!?: “The design, illustration and vertical format makes for an inviting publication.”
 
What do you like most about wearing a skirt?: “Skirts are affordable. I got mine for a ‘sarong.’”