VALLEY — While some kids spend their summer months sitting at home or going on trips, those that came out to the Bradshaw-Chambers County Library throughout the past week spent it creating.

Starting Monday, July 9, the library held Art Week, each day offering area kids a new lesson on how to make art. Pairing the standards like paper and paint in conjunction with the unusual like bubble wrap and cotton swabs, kids were taught how interpretation is a part of creativity.

“You know that everyone has the same instruction but absolutely every piece of artwork looks different,” said Program Coordinator Jade Letson. “They do it from their own perspective, how they want to do it, and it’s really neat to compare them.”

Each day brought new art, with kids learning with paper on Monday, watercolors Tuesday, acrylic rock painting Wednesday and galaxy painting on Thursday, which according to Letson was what made kids most excited.

Also varying each day was the instructor. Different artists from around the Southeast came to give tips on how to best create the art. Local artists Suzie Britt, Becky Guinn and Pam Willis made appearances Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, with non-profit art group Spark Art coming from Columbus on Wednesday.

“I love it because artists were in here, different artists every day, and they all seemed to teach the kids other things than just art,” Letson said.

The other lessons learned were things like teamwork, sharing and how to socially interact with new people. Instead of giving every kid a plate of paint to work from, instructors gave each table one to share, fostering interaction among the young learners.

“The kids at the table may not know each other but these activities get them talking,” Letson said. “It gets them working with each other. It’s good life skills like that. Creativity doesn’t necessarily have to be art. Just thinking about how they want to do it helps with thinking skills, making decisions and things like that. It’s not just about art, it’s about life.”

The entire week was building to an art exhibit to be held today, July 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. eastern time.

All artwork that was created by kids will be displayed at the library.