RANGELEY – “Christmas shopping, of course!”

That’s why Jo Craemer of Eustis said she attended the annual Rangeley Sidewalk Art Show last Thursday.

The Rangeley Friends of the Arts sponsors the show and several other cultural events, including fiddle fests, humorists, street dances, home tours, plays and musical performances, in a effort to promote art in the Rangeley area.

“If we didn’t, there wouldn’t be any art in Rangeley,” said Heidi Sorensen, president of the arts group. The group also works to procure funds, such as Maine Community Foundation grants, for instrumental and voice lessons for Rangeley school children. Last year, RFA brought authors, sculptors, drummers and dancers to the school, exposing the children to a wide range of artistic genres.

“I was looking for painted glassware, but the pottery is also beautiful,” said Judie Bayles, also of Eustis, as she purchased a piece from United Pond Pottery.

“We like to have a balance,” said Sorensen. “We encourage fine arts, but want a mix of medias.

“The craftsmen invited to participate are juried applicants whose artwork has met RFA’s high standards in quality and originality,” she said.

And with 65 exhibitors displaying everything from berry washers to bird feeders, yard art to feather art, soaps to birch bowls, the desired variety and balance among artists and their wares was achieved.

Most of the artisans are from Maine, but a few are from other New England states. The show, which has run for at least the past 20 years, is growing each season, spilling over the Rangeley sidewalks onto the town field.

“I have the same customers return to this show every year,” said Amy Grant of Carrabassett Soap Co. “So, I make sure I return and bring their favorite items!”

“What started out as a simple painted egg, a gift from me to my mother, turned into a spiritual journey and ultimately a new life for me,” said Nicki Nickerson, sharing the story of her Egg Centrix goose feather and egg paintings. “And even years later I remember every person that takes one of my creations home.” She and the other artists often talk at length with customers.