Every January, for example, the Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery hosts art shows for all Dare County Schools, sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council, so students can exhibit their artistic talents. Other shows take place every few months at several different galleries.

Despite this unique opportunity for artists, shows often lack student and community attendance, much to the dismay of FFHS art teachers and students.

“There isn’t a very good turn out; not many students come,” art teacher Jennifer Hamrock said. “Some teachers give extra credit to go to the shows, but we want them to go just because they want to check it out.”

Photography teacher Ken Binkley often goes to see these displays but also says public attendance is low.

“Some of (the students) show up, usually those whose work is in the show,” he said. “Maybe around one percent of the student body attends.”

Announcements are usually made before and after school to advertise upcoming shows, and art teachers also send postcards to artists’ families to let them know when students’ work will appear in a gallery.

Still, despite the publicity, many say they lack the time or the inclination to attend.

“Students just don’t have time to go to art shows, and the shows do not seem really exciting,” sophomore Corey Hodges said.

However, students who do participate say going to the shows is a great experience to help broaden their horizons and see the variety of talents of students not only from FFHS, but from schools all over Dare County.

“I think that students should go to art shows because it gives them a better cultural aspect,” said junior Krystal Pennington, who participates in the art shows.

Hamrock said the next art show will take place in the spring at Festival Park in Manteo.