congrats [dammit!] to rich & ty
Out of all of the Art-o-Mat machines that are still active, we here at A.I.C. world hq can count on one hand the hosts who survived our "big-teeth-highwater-pic-n-pay-cuga years" -- a.k.a the late nineties when the Art-o-mat project was clumsy and still trying to figure out what it was all about.

Last week, we were informed that Third Place Coffeehouse was sold so, therefore, we are currently looking for a new Raleigh host. So, with sincere happiness and great selfish regrets, we want to wish Rich Futrell and Ty Beddingfield the best of luck in their new life ventures.

When servicing their machine once... I noticed a tattoo on Rich's inside wrist as he handed me a cup of joe. I asked. He told me that it was the chemical diagram of caffeine. I then asked why. He estimated that he had served a million cups of joe... and that would most likely be the greatest accomplishment of his life.

Impressive. But, we here at A.I.C. feel that there are greater things to come from these guys.

Peace to The Third.

Monkey Hill!
Last weekend, A.I.C. paid a visit to ABC Carpet & Home's Monkey Hill in New York City. Bruce Imber & Jobert Abueva (pictured) have a gorgeous set up, and have had their Art*o*mat machine for about a year. Arto-webmaster Mary K. pulled the knob and got an Elena Siff piece! (pictured at right) The store offers a quirky reinterpretation of country furniture, folk art and traditional craft. Monkey Hill will appeal to people interested in melding contemporary and traditional styles into an eclectic whole.

What a perfect fit for an Art*o*mat. Thanks to Monkey Hill and ALL of our wonderful Arto-hosts!

An Arto Experience
Recently, a talented Jazz ensemble from NYC, The Amanda Monaco 4, came through Winston-Salem on tour, and made it a priority to pay homage the original Art*o*mat machine at Mary's of Course, and have a breakfast burrito while they were at it! Below are some photos of their arto-fun.

Artomat Artist Spotlight: Kristin Yount


Kristin Yount's artomat pieces are tiny pieces of pottery, just the right size for, say, a piece of sushi to be dipped! She is an employee of the City of Portland. Here Kristin works at a large community studio. She also belongs to a group called the Oregon Potters Association. According to Kristin, "My interest as an artist is to represent and immortalize emotions in clay. Whether I am making tiny little bowls or installing children's tiles where they will be viewed for generations to come. Once you fire clay in a kiln the structure changes. Many people feel like it is like alchemy myself included. It's a humbling way to work. The process extends so far beyond sitting at a wheel or decorating a pot. It's a pain in the butt. I am a total slave to it. I just want good things to come of it."


Visit her her web site here: kristin.freak23.com