NORWAY — The Arts Festival 2012 is bringing together more than 70 artists and performers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 12 to 14 for exhibits and events.

Organizers say the historic Main Street will be closed to traffic creating a large pedestrian mall stretching from the Norway Memorial Library to the Advertiser Democrat Block at the corner of Main Street and Pikes Hill Road. Purchase prizes are being solicited from the public and the businesses of the local area to help support participating artists.

Western Maine Art Group is initiating its call to sponsors to support the arts and the artists for the 45th annual event. A sponsor who chooses to participate in this program purchases a cash award in advance for the amounts of $75, $200 or $350. In return for that award, the sponsor may choose a painting from the artists on the street between 9 and 11 a.m.

Artists choosing to participate in this purchase award program will receive designated price stickers in their packets at check-in and place them on their artwork, according to sticker price. From 9 to 11 a.m., sponsors will shop for paintings with stickers. Before 11 a.m. stickered paintings may not be sold to the public. The awards will be announced at 11 a.m. and sponsors will pick up their artwork and artists will receive their checks. After 11 a.m. all paintings with stickers can be made available to the public for sale.

To become a sponsor, contact Western Maine Art Group by email westernmaineartgroup@gmail.com or call 207-743-7813.