We explored the eclectic culture of Seattle this weekend. First, if you are in Seattle, the locals SHOULD suggest you to check out Ballard neighborhood. (I don't know why we didn't check this out when we were here in November 2007. You would have loved this place, Susan!!)
We found a lot of independent store who had a diverse range of items (somewhere between design, art and vintage). Venue Ballard was one of the cool place to stop by. 1/2 design shop, 1/2 artists' studio. The concept of the store was interesting. Artists pay $500/month to rent a small studio room which are nested inside of the design shop. The studio could be opened/closed to public. Artists get a community aspect of being in the store; while, still working on their artwork.
In the store, there was Art-o-mat. Vintage cigarette vending machine turned into a mini art vending machine. You pick which artist you want to buy a piece from, insert a token ($5), pull the lever and voila! You get a little box that is full of surprises. Acoording to the store owner Diane, there is a cult follower who is chasing after these art pieces from the vending machine. It's such a new way of experiencing "buying an art"... I wasn't quit sure what to make out of it but thought it's worsey of the report!
I love the Art-o-Mat idea. It's interactive, low-brow, and brings accessibility back to art. Great find!
Posted by: Audrey | January 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM