similar to iab, I had a previous life apprenticed to a furniture artist. 25 years or so ago.
He sold in galleries in Boston and NYC and occasionally museum shows. I helped build one-off product in the $5- $15K range.
Galleries take half of any sale from a show but only 10% off any commissions that result from the show, and that’s where the real money is and why it’s worth playing their game.
never let collectors or gallery owners know you’ve ever showed at a crafts fair, lowers your brand equity.
you cold also look at Dakota Jackson as a role model, but he’s an expert self marketer.