Carine Stam, Leslie Siegel and Teresa Prashad are among the many artists whose works are on display at the Artists Network gallery on Main Street in Lawrence. (Photo by Suzette J. Lucas.)

Every December, well-meaning gift givers dream of bestowing one-of-a-kind gifts on their loved ones, but as the reality of a busy modern schedule sets in, most dreamers are happy just to provide everyone with the appropriate gift cards.

The Lawrenceville Main Street Artists Network may have solutions for both the challenge of finding unique gifts and the challenge of getting everything done before – or even after – the holidays.

The cooperative gallery, which opened in 2009, features the work of some 30 Lawrence artists working in a variety of media.

Original watercolor and acrylic paintings, handmade jewelry and scarves, found-object art and more is on display, and all items are available for purchase.

In anticipation of the holiday season, the artists will keep the gallery open for extended hours in December. Items for sale will range in price from $3 for handmade greeting cards to more than $1,500 for original works of art.

The artists strive to offer pieces that suit varied interests and budgets. In some cases, prints are available more affordably than original works.

Beside the paintings and sculptures, there will be ornaments, gift tags, jewelry, scarves and handbags, pottery, coasters, birdhouses, and more. While the artists have mobilized for the holidays, they work all year to keep the gallery’s inventory fresh and varied.

Each member of the co-op pays monthly dues, giving them the right to display their work, and a portion of sales go back to the network. On the second Saturday of every month, they host a reception in the gallery to showcase new works on display.

Artist Christina Peckham said visitors to the gallery are often surprised at the quality of work they see in the gallery.

“They can’t believe there’s so many artists in Lawrenceville,” she said. “And they’re so eclectic. When we first did a call for artists, some 60 artists expressed interest.”

For parents who have not quite figured out how to keep the kids occupied the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the Artists Network plans to offer morning and afternoon arts and crafts classes for children ages 7 and up.

Artist-instructors Teresa Prashad and Leslie Siegel will lead students in projects such as making bead flowers, creating wall hangings, and making clay portraits and cardboard string puppets.

Siegel is chair of the co-op’s education committee. Both Siegel and Prashad have been involved in instruction since the Artists Network was formed. Besides the holiday week classes, they and some of the other artists teach classes year round for both kids and adults.

“Many people come up and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you had as large a room, as complete a program,” Siegel said of the network’s art classes. “There are a lot of [people who] are really kind of blown away, they didn’t know we existed.”

Kids can attend one or both holiday week classes, which will run Monday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. There is a fee for each class, although drop-ins may be accommodated for parents who call ahead to check availability.

For more information about the holiday week classes, or to register, call the gallery at (609) 512-1359 or go online to www.lmsartistsnetwork.com. Although space may be limited, there are also class size minimums, and classes could be canceled if not enough students register.

Planned winter 2011 classes for kids include clay working and watercolor, while classes for teens and adults will focus on watercolor painting or jewelry making.

The gallery will be open Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout December.

Lawrenceville Main Street Artists Network and Gallery is located at 2683 Main St. in Lawrence. The gallery phone number is (609) 512-1359. On the Web: www.lmsartistsnetwork.com.