Gifts from the heart
While the best Christmas gifts come from the heart, the most treasured gifts of all come from the hands of a child.MosaicConnection will offer children in first through sixth grade the opportunity to handcraft a special gift for the ones they love when the organization hosts its second annual Santa's Workshop Dec. 4, from noon to 4 p.m., at the 120 Beall Avenue building.
According to MosaicConnection's Melody Kirby, children attending the free event will be able to choose from one of three projects, including a colorful polymer clay Christmas ornament, a tin wall hanging or an angel made from a men's tie. They will also have the opportunity to create their own greeting card to go along with the gift and a handmade bookmark.
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 projects and create Christmas cards.
In addition to light refreshments and live holiday music, Santa will make a special appearance for younger siblings and several children's art sets will be given away as door prizes.
The 120 Artists CoOp, which brings together a dozen local artists who work in a wide variety of media including pottery, watercolors, acrylics, pencil, oils, glass and jewelry, will also be open Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The CoOp will close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day.
Kirby said 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 nearly 100 children and their families accepted the invitation to pause during the busy holiday season to relax and simply spend time together.
"Last year it was heartwarming to watch parents stay and help their children and just spend time together," said Kirby.
During challenging economic times it also provided families with a no cost way to kick off the holiday season in a special way.
"We had several families say when they lost their jobs they weren't sure what they were going to do special with their kids during Christmas," said Kirby, noting that one of the most gratifying parts of holding the event has been the opportunity it provides for families to do just that.
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.
According to Kirby, Kid's Connection, which is open to children in second through sixth grade, provides children with the opportunity to experience many types of art, including fine arts, crafts, storytelling, drama and music.
Each session includes a simple dinner followed by entertainment and arts and crafts projects.
The program, which began in October and will start again after the holidays with sessions on Jan. 3, 17 and 31, is free of charge but registration is required.
MosaicConnection is a volunteer organization funded by private donations. For more information on the organization and to register for the Kid's Connection program, visit their website at http://www.MosaicConnection.org.