Santa Clarita city officials are hoping residents might forgo the chips and soda next time they buy from a vending machine and opt instead for something a little more edifying: a piece of art.
On Thursday at the Art Walk in downtown Newhall, the city debuted its new Art2Go vending machine in an effort to whet the public's appetite for culture. Deposit $10 and the machine dispenses a miniature piece of original art, such as oil paintings, watercolors and tile work. "The idea is to get people to start appreciating art," said Jeff Barber, Santa Clarita's arts and events supervisor.
Most of the participating artists live in the Santa Clarita Valley, and proceeds from their work will go toward funding city-run arts education programs, city officials said. "The artists who have created the paintings have put their heart and soul into these little tiny pieces just to support us," said Donna Avila, Santa Clarita's community services coordinator.
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