The History of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB) originated from Blue Genie Art Industries (BGA), a nationally recognized creative firm specializing in large scale commercial fabrication of three dimensional objects, monuments, exhibits, themed environments, and artist services. BGAB is maintained by the original owners: Chris Coakley, Rory Skagen, Kevin Collins, and Dana Younger.

The first Blue Genie Art Bazaar was held in 2001 at the BGA shop, where we sold items made by Blue Genie employees. Without putting much thought into it, we built a few walls, hung up some clip lights, swept the floor — and then opened the doors. It was soon apparent that we had something exciting on our hands. Now, the Bazaar features the handmade, unique work of over 200 artists, whom we select from a talented pool of more than 400 applicants each year. We have spent over a decade refining the Bazaar, and we’re quite proud of what it has grown into.

Producing the Bazaar requires a lot of collaboration every year and we are grateful to the dedicated team working for us now and in past years. We are also grateful to the talented, creative, cooperative artists who participate each year. And we are endlessly grateful to our patrons and to the Austin art community.