Alan - yep it was. Good venue and looked the business. Unfortunately the money just didn't walk through the door. Don't know if that was about venue, local demographic or marketing. The whole thing was really well organised so I can't tell you why the money didn't show [before I went into teaching I was a marketing professional and a member of the Chartered Institue etc (yes they do exist) and I'm not sure I would have done much different in the promotion.... and if I'd do the same things I can't offer a critique.] I didn't sell anything i don't think many others did either. Makes no difference to me... I'll still submit stuff for the next one (which is a lot closer to home anyway (~5 miles)). What I did see is that my stuff sat well with other stuff in the exhibition... Bottom line is that I didn't look like the amateur chancer in the room. That was the nightmare senario. First one over. Thanks for the messages of support folks. Now I can get back to painting. Ade