"I came the first day and it just keeps getting better. There's far too much to see in one day."

This year's festival features works from more than 85 artists and crafts people from across the North.

"Record-breaking," was how festival treasurer Bobbie VanBridger described weekend sales. "We've more than doubled last year's sales for this period of time," reported VanBridger on Monday. Saturday $25,000 in arts and crafts were sold and on Sunday another $12,000 was rung up.

The festival takes a 30 per cent commission on all sales.

Festival chair Chris Hopkins noted that dollars do not provide an entirely accurate measurement of the success of the event.

"The development of art in the territories is the purpose of the festival, not sales," said Hopkins.

To that end, festival organizers select a mix of established masters and up-and-coming artists, with the aim that the interaction between the two will benefit both.

Two ingredients were key to the growth of the show this year.

With increased sponsorship, particularly from Canadian Airlines and the Canada Council, the festival was able to bring in more artists than ever before.

The festival could accommodate them because of the change in venues. The move from Family Hall to Sir Alexander Mackenzie School gave organizers "almost unlimited space" to work with, said Hopkins.

Co-coordinator Tanya Van Valkenburg echoed Hopkins, saying, "Our first priority is not to make money, it's to promote Northern artists."

One big promotional step was the establishment of a web page that brings Northern art to the world. The "virtual gallery" (www.greatart.nt.ca) was launched Friday night and features 200 pages of photos of Northern art, descriptions, biographies, and prices.

"Our goal is to become the link for Northern artists," said Van Valkenburg. "People anywhere in the world interested in Northern art -- all they need to know is our web site and they will find what they want."

Co-founder and executive director of the festival, Charlene Alexander compared this year's show with the first.

"We had 35 artists in the Inuvialuit Corporate Centre. It was very successful, people were very excited about it, but this year's festival is completely different."

The main difference, apart from size, is the events beyond the display portion of the festival, such as a fashion show, cultural events, seminars, dances, barbecues and workshops.

The increase in size has required more organization. Alexander said she is hoping to secure funding for three full-time staff for next year's 10th anniversary event.

The Great Northern Arts Festival continues to July 27.