‘Curio Theatre’ dispenses original art paired with live performances at WSU
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 WSU, 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 event website, 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