Children got to showcase their creative projects yesterday after the first week of an arts summer camp.

Youngsters at Knack Summer Camp experimented with new art styles and materials such as handmade rugs, which were shown during an exhibition at Holy Trinity Church in Hamilton Parish.

Sarai Hynes, an art teacher and one of Knack’s instructors, said that the children enjoyed the art camp, which she added was important for healthy self-expression.

She explained: “A lot of them, especially now, aren’t sure about how they channel their emotions, what it is that they want to study, or their own thoughts.

“We truly believe that their creativity allows them to process how they feel and how they think and it gives them that chance to say what they want to say if they’re not able to say it out loud.”

The children, who started on Monday, spent the week exploring their favourite art styles and those they wished to study.

Rayni Maybury, the other teacher behind Knack and a professional rug-maker who runs the rug business RealUglyGuySeasons, also taught children the basics of tufting.

Pupils then drew designs on canvas and spent the week creating both a personal art piece and a rug.

Amarriah Vaughans, 11, said that she attempted to leave her comfort zone and make a self-portrait, but with a twist.

“I love abstract art,” she said, “and I wanted to try a portrait, but I’m not that good at drawing things.

“Sarai and Rayni pushed me out of my comfort zone. With Rayni doing carpets and Sarai doing art, they both pushed me to do it — and I felt like could.”

Hassan Millett, 10, said that he enjoyed making a carpet for the first time and was inspired for his design by the aircraft company Boeing.

He said that he felt “pretty excited” that he learnt to make a rug and wanted to try and make more.

Knack will paint a mural at Sweet Pea Nursery in Paget next week to help the youngsters use their art skills to give back to their communities.