Two Art Markets, One Girl: Lessons Learned and New Directions for 2026

This past year has been a winding, humbling journey of growth and deep reflection. Over the last four Sundays, seated on my Magic Carpet and shuffling my tarot deck to reveal the Weekly World News, I spoke the question out loud: “What’s next?”

Blankets. 100% cotton Jacquard woven blankets are what's next. This is "Late Bloomer," "Animal Husbandry" is on the wall. $165.

I’ve launched countless projects and made Big Plans, a typical pattern of my self-diagnosed ADHD. [I’m not eager to discover yet another label or battle my insurance company for testing, but I check all the boxes.] Normally, existential angst doesn’t linger in my world, yet here I am at a crossroads, ready to leave some things behind without looking back. The Hermit card stayed hidden during this Sunday’s reading, so I reckon it’s time to reach out again. I’m fairly certain no one actually reads blog posts anymore, but this space feels like a safe place to process things, at least until I sort out the whole Substack situation.

The Indian summer wrapped up with two lively art markets: the Haunted Market and the Ritual Market. After finishing the Late Bloomer show (which I mentioned in my previous post), I dove straight into new projects instead of taking a break. I guess I was trying to stay inspired and “forward motion-y” or…something. These included an expo at the Augusta Civic Center (The Haunted Market) ...and a nostalgic, beautiful metaphysical fair on the Kennebec waterfront (Ritual Market). The Haunted Market is run by a Big Business, whereas Ritual Market is local and kind. Needless to say, I preferred the Ritual Market experience and all-around vibe.

Plus, being outdoors instead of inside the ACC, which kind of looks like a basketball court, added to the day.

Both were juried shows, and I have the unfortunate tendency to measure my worth as a “real artist” by whether I’m selected, even if I have to pay dearly to participate. I created new pieces, bought supplies, invested in a new canopy and display table, and added accessories. I selected and framed paintings, matted new prints (which thankfully arrived just in time) and assembled the Infinite Seeker and Spells collection. I’ll share more about this later since it holds deep personal meaning. I organized transport, asked for help (which is hard for me), and took on more than I could manage after my solo art show. Lesson learned.

Things were a little darker at the Augusta Civic Center.

No regrets, though. Even if I can only handle one major market a year moving forward, it will be worth it. Metaphysical fairs like Ritual Market are about more than selling my work; they’re opportunities to connect with fellow artists, mystical women, craft lovers, educators, and healers. I made strong sales, but high overhead and helper costs, including a dear friend who volunteered at Haunted Market in exchange for some art boots she tried to talk me out of giving her, plus the second set of hands I wanted to pay for heavy lifting and driving with Ritual Market, ate into my profits. By the end, I felt mentally, physically, and spiritually drained. Large markets and expos don’t fit my life right now, and I’ve already canceled the two-day event planned for late November because it was keeping me up at night. Still, the experience taught me a lot, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned, the new products I’m developing, and the direction I’m heading in 2026.

The Thrill of the Markets

Both the Haunted Market and the Ritual Market buzzed with energy and creativity. Artists displayed their unique creations, and attendees eagerly explored everything. I felt a surge of excitement as people engaged with my work, offering feedback that warmed my heart. I was happy to say goodbye to some 2020–2023 original paintings, knowing they were going to be appreciated in some wonderfully witchy home somewhere in New England.

"Buzzing with energy." Sarah Chickpea, Queen of the Cuddle Moons who absolutely saved my ass at the Haunted Market fora mere pair of Right As Rainboots. I'm wearing some, too. If you like our boots, there is literally one pair left, The Wedding Pair. Ask me if you want 'em! Size 8 and a half to 9, depending on what kind of a sock-girl you are. They're European size, so...Size 40. Cute and Roomy..

New Products: The Infinite Seeker Cards and Small Prints

One of the standout moments was launching new products. My Infinite Seeker cards are 2.5x3.5-inch prints in jewel wrap, each featuring a detail from winter pastels that captures a “guardian spirit” (or The Infinite, as I call them) with a short interpretation and affirmation on the back. They’re like oracle cards, but not exactly — more personal, more art-driven, more flexible for anyone who wants to explore them. In a wee trunk, I offered big envelopes stuffed with healing spells and rituals coordinating with the cards for those who wanted to take their magical experience further.

I also created a series of small giclée prints from the collection, matted to 5x7, jewel wrapped, and priced around $15 each. Affordable, accessible, and perfect for adding art to a home without overspending. My 2025 greeting cards didn’t arrive in time for the fairs, but they’re available now. Just give me a week to get my Etsy shop running again; the Wix shop isn’t user-friendly, and Shopify has all these flashy, moving parts that don’t lend themselves to slowly browsing artwork. You dig?

A Shift in Strategy for 2026

Looking ahead to the holy-daze, I plan to make substantial changes to my approach. I’ve decided to take a break from costly craft markets and prioritize selling my work directly to customers. This shift should let me lower my prices, make my art more accessible, and reduce financial strain. By 2026, I hope to focus primarily on direct sales instead of allocating funds to art associations, show fees, and maintaining retail space.

Although I’ll miss the vibrant market atmosphere, I believe this new direction will foster deeper connections with my audience and create a sustainable business model. And while I keep claiming I’m going to start up an art workshop, I’ve written four different outlines and not made it happen yet. Time to get on it. None of my card affirmations say, “I embrace change and move forward with intention”. Maybe I should do something about that.

Like all the unfinished paintings in my studio/closet, my lesson plan outlines, the beginning of an Infinite Oracle workbook, major fall re-haul of all my stock, late submissions, and finding time for actually getting to create new work that makes me happy? I am a WIP. A Work In Progress. Card-carrying member.

Infinite Oracle Card carrying member!

Thank you for reading, if you're still here...catch you over at Etsy.