behind the counter | 2012 63 The Fine Arts Center W alk into the Fine Arts Center and you know The enrollment process is competitive – this year, – this is not a typical school. You might 832 applicants are clamoring for 400 slots - and catch strains of guitar drifting from the based on an audition process. Those selected learn deck, see drama unfolding in a classroom core subjects like math and science at their home and watch dancers creating choreography in the lobby. school and attend the Fine Arts Center for two hours per day for intensive work in theater, dance, visual “This is an exciting place to be,” says Dr. Roy Fluhrer, arts, music, creative writing or digital filmmaking. who has directed the school since 1989. “The energy in the building is palpable.” With graduation rates at about 98%, more than half of the students continue in the arts, becoming 102 Pine Knoll Drive The Fine Arts Center was the first specialized performers, teachers or professional artists. “These Greenville arts school in South Carolina, founded in 1974 as a kids are amazing, eager and motivated,” and 864.355.2551 secondary school for gifted students in the literary, everybody respects what everyone else is trying to Arts education visual and performing arts. Talented students do,” Fluhrer says. “They say if you enjoy your work, in grades 9-12 come from across the county for you’ll never work another day in your life, and if advanced, comprehensive arts instruction. that’s true, I haven’t worked in a very long time.” Photograph by: Darrell Snow