There are two types of fine art shows: commercial and non-commercial. All or most of the items on commercial shows are for sale, usually at a discounted rate. Non-commercial exhibitions, such as museums, do not sell art and may charge an entrance fee to cover staffing and maintenance costs. There are many different types of fine art shows within these categories, including traveling shows and shows that focus on a specific type of art, such as photography or folk art.
Commercial fine art shows usually have some or all of the works for sale. These paintings or sculptures may be priced, or potential buyers may be expected to offer what they believe the item is worth. Although it varies culture, many fine art shows expect potential customers to haggle over price. For example, it is not uncommon for an art collector to make an offer that is at least 10% lower than the tagged price.
Another type of fine art show is non-commercial, which means that nothing is for sale. This type of fine art show takes place in a museum or other non-profit organization that exhibits art. The entity hosting a non-commercial art show usually has permanent art displays but also puts on shows to showcase art that it does not normally host. Art displayed in a non-commercial art show is usually sourced from other museums or private collectors. While this type of art show is not for profit, it does often require admission fees from those who attend in order to fund the event.
Commercial and non-commercial traveling fine art shows are both possible, though the latter is more common. They travel across multiple countries or across different regions of a single country. One fine art show may be held in several locations, with only a few of them coming together at the same time. Some of these shows are particularly receptive to works lesser-known artists. This can give new artists a leg up on established artists who are unable to have their work displayed in museums or well-established commercial art businesses.
Fine art exhibitions frequently focus on a single type or theme of artwork. An art show, for example, might feature the work of a single artist. Sometimes the art show will focus on a specific type of art, such as sculpting, wax figures, or photography. Other types of art that some shows focus on are ethnic and ancient works of art.