This is the time of year when shoppers search high and low for the special gift for the loved ones in their lives.

The 40th annual Holiday Art Market at the Foothills Art Center is back to offer the creative works of more than 100 Colorado artists for shoppers looking for a gift with a personal, homemade touch.

The market, 809 15th St. in Golden, runs through Dec. 28. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

“There are 48 artists returning from our last market, so we have a lot of new artists” said Marcella Nordbeck, gift gallery manager. “Our first call for entry went out in July, so we’re basically thinking about it all year.”

The items on sale include ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography and holiday items.

Nordbeck said the set up for the market is a three week process that requires two dozen volunteers to get everything in its right place.

“We’re using paint on the walls as our key decoration element,” explained said Becky Guy, exhibitions coordinator. “There are so many great spaces here but we also want to make sure we create some intimate places for displays.”

The market features thousands of unique handcrafted items, all displayed against the backdrop of the historic church that houses the main gallery spaces. Since the market has been running for so long the challenge is to make it unique every year.

“Every year it’s a fresh experience, especially since shoppers quite possibly can’t find these items anywhere else,” Nordbeck said. “We have things for every group — men, women and kids — and every price point.”

The art market is more than a shopping experience — this month several special events will be held at FAC.

Children will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Santa and enjoy a free hot cocoa bar and cookies before the Golden Candelight Walk on Friday, Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m.

There will be a free card creation station at the center 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 and a holiday sweater party and ornament creation demonstration with Stephanie Kuhne from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 13. The cost for the sweater party and ornament creation is $5.

Finally, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 20 there will be a gingerbread house construction event for $10, which will teach the tricks to making a perfect, edible creation.

These kinds of events have helped to make the market a key part of many holiday traditions.

“We have more than 200 applicants to the market this year and we jury the show because we want people to say ‘wow’ every year,” Guy said. “Last year we had more than 7,000 visitors who spend more than $100,000.”

Nordbeck said that shopping at the market is a chance to do several positive things at one.

“Shoppers can say with pride that their gift is a locally created, unique piece that is supporting a Colorado artists and nonprofit,” she said.

For more information call 303-279-3922 or visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.