‘Curio Theatre’ dispenses original art paired with live performances at º£½ÇÉçÇø
OGDEN, Utah — A restored vintage cigarette vending machine is the centerpiece of an upcoming arts event at Weber State University, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts.
Curio Theatre combines live performances with original pieces of art dispensed directly from the refurbished machine.
The one-night event unfolds in four steps. First, attendees choose an original work of art from the vending machine, then head to a 20-minute live performance created in response to that object. There are nine objects, ranging from small sculptures to stained glass — and nine corresponding performances — to choose from. 
After the first performance, the audience gathers for a midpoint reception. Guests then choose a second piece of art to unlock a final 20-minute performance inspired by their chosen item.
“Each work brings together artists and performers to create an experience that moves between a tangible object and an ephemeral event,” said María del Mar González-González, art history associate professor.
González-González and Cully Long, theatre associate professor, collaborated to bring the event to life. González-González said she’d long envisioned an event where guests select art from a vending machine, and Long had an idea to build on that.
“Curio Theatre brings together two very different artistic traditions,” Long said. “Visual art creates a tangible object that can be held, owned, and kept, while theatrical performances exist for a particular audience in a particular moment and then disappear. I’m excited by the idea that each audience member will leave with a physical object that carries the memory of an experience that can never be repeated in quite the same way.”
González-González and Long worked with the Concept Center in the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology to restore the vending machine, making sure it functioned properly.
In addition to cross-disciplinary partnerships, each participating artist or performer has a connection to º£½ÇÉçÇø, including multiple faculty members, students, alumni, and community supporters.
“What I love most about the project is its collaborative, interdisciplinary spirit,” González-González said.
Tickets are available on the , and organizers recommend purchasing them in advance. Proceeds from the event will help support scholarship funds for theatre and Department of Visual Art & Design students.
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu