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I participated in a brand new show Nov 11 - 13 in Hampton Virginia. It was an interesting concept - and I think once the show director gets the kinks worked out - it could be an annual event for me. 

The director wanted to have a bazaar craft section (without junkie items) AND an art show in an indoor setting. The bazaar section was in the normal row arrangement - the art section was designed in 4-booth groups in a meandering flow. What was nice is that this arrangement allowed each artist to have a 4th wall - and give the customer room to stand as far back as they wanted to see the art from a distance. 

The booth fee for the artists was only $150 - for the vendors it was $500. The artists were only allowed to show original work - with a limit of 40 pieces displayed. We could have one print rack - and could display other things (like greeting cards from original designs) if we cleared it with her first. 

There was  some really beautiful art - she did a good job getting quality work. The bazaar side had fun items - I didn't see one cut up soda can turned into a mobile! There was a nice feel to the bazaar side. 

I did fairly well considering it was a first year show - my profit was close to $1000 - although as I talked to most of the artists, many did not sell much. I think I did OK because the highest priced item I had was $400 - with most being between $50 - $200. I've done a fair number of Christmas shows - and I know that higher priced art doesn't tend to sell - because people are looking for gifts. Many of the other artists had their prices too high. 

For her first year, she did well marketing the show - she had over 6000 people come through. She even had a judge for the art section with awards. However - the entrance of the show was in the bazaar section - with the art to the other side of the convention hall. By far - the bazaar side had the majority of the traffic. The kinks that the director needs to work out relates to traffic flow. She is thinking of putting the artists in the middle next year - with rows of bazaar on either side - and making the meandering pathway between the art booths like a beautiful park. That should really help next year. 

It'll also help if the public can get used to the idea of really nice original art being sold in a bazaar. It's an innovative idea.  I had high appreciation for the less expensive booth fee for the artists - indoor shows tend to be so expensive. As long as the booth fee doesn't go up too high next year, I'll be back.