If you’d rather die than head to the mall on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, here’s a brighter alternative: An Arte Affaire in Calais.

Now in its second year, the event blends shopping, socializing and scrumptious cuisine. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Downeast Heritage Museum, 39 Union St., in Calais. And the artisans, all of whom live in the St. Croix Valley area, plan to display unique gift items – things you won’t find at the mall.

“We’re trying to focus on what we have here, right in our backyard,” said Heather Perry, the jewelry artisan who organized the event. “We’re really trying to encourage people to buy locally. They don’t have to travel – we have so many wonderful items here. I hope people will look here first for special items.”

And “special” is the operative word. Take, for example, Amanda Williams’ glass creations. She fashions intricate flowers, creatures, even entire landscapes – all in a dime-size glass bead. Or the infinitely practical, but nonetheless lovely, floor cloths handpainted by Beverly Runyan.

A total of 11 artisans will be on hand selling paintings, fine jewelry, American Indian baskets, pottery, art glass, quilts and fiber arts.

From 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, the culinary arts will take center stage during A Foode Affaire. Visitors can browse and enjoy a glass of wine while sampling treats from Bold Coast Smokehouse, Quoddy Mist Sea Salt, Bernardini’s Restaurant, baker Ellen Johnson and Tide Mill Organic Farm.

During the Foode Affaire, the sounds of Arielle’s Jazz Trio will fill the air, and on Saturday, the Peregrine Puppets and Pieces of String fiddlers will perform.

It’s a feast for the senses – all of them – and a sure antidote to the Black Friday blues.

Admission costs $3 per person. For information, call 454-7878.