While parents have to hit the stores to find the perfect gift for their sons and daughters, their children will have the opportunity to create a gift their parents will treasure when MosaicConnection hosts its annual Santa’s Workshop Dec. 10, from noon to 4 p.m., at the 120 Beall Avenue building.

MosaicConnection will offer children in first through sixth grade the opportunity to handcraft a special gift for the ones they love during this free event.

According to MosaicConnection’s Melody Kirby, children attending the third annual Santa’s Workshop will be able to choose one of three projects, including a colorful glass Christmas ornament, a tin wall hanging or a project on slate. They will also have the opportunity to create their own greeting card to go along with their handmade gift.

While families wait for their older children to complete their projects, MosaicConnection will have another area set up especially for families, where parents can help younger siblings with coloring and beading projects.

In addition to light refreshments and live holiday music, compliments of Dan Bartkowiak, door prizes will be awarded each hour.

Jolly Old St. Nick himself will also make a special appearance during the event. In addition to posing for photographs, Santa will be reading a Christmas story at 2 p.m.

The idea behind Santa’s Workshop is to provide a way for families to spend some quality together during what is often a hectic time of year.

During last year’s Santa’s Workshop, more than 100 children and their families accepted the invitation to pause during the busy holiday season to relax and simply spend time together.

Those in attendance at Santa’s Workshop will have the opportunity to browse through the wide array of art available at the 120 Artists CoOp, which is also housed in the 120 Beall Avenue building.

The 120 Artists CoOp brings together 16 local artists who work in a wide variety of media, including pottery, jewelry, sculpture, glass, metal, watercolors, acrylics, pencil and oils.

The CoOp’s special holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday evenings through the end of the year. The CoOp will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The 120 Artists CoOp will also hold a special exhibit by renowned local potter and sculptor Jim Spires Dec. 13-17. More information on special events during Spires’ exhibit will be available on the CoOp’s website.

During Santa’s Workshop families can also learn more about another MosaicConnection program focused on using the arts as a way for children to develop self-esteem and build new friendships - Kid’s Connection.

Kid’s Connection, which is open to children in second through sixth grades, provides children with the opportunity to experience many types of arts, including fine arts, crafts, storytelling, drama and music.

Each session includes a simple dinner followed by entertainment and arts and crafts projects.

The Kid’s Connection program, which will resume in January after taking a break for the holidays, is free of charge, but registration is required. Registration for the program is available on MosaicConnection’s website.

MosaicConnection is a volunteer organization funded by private donations. For more information on the organization, visit their website at http://www.MosaicConnection.org.

Information on the 120 Artists CoOp can be found at http://www.the120artistscoop.com.