Young Bermudians are being encouraged to consider a career in the arts after taking part in a City Hall exhibition.

Hundreds of students from across the Island contributed pieces to Bermuda Society of Arts? annual Schools Art Show, which ran at the Hamilton venue until February 18.

Gallery director Peter Lapsley said the show was aimed at giving youngsters the push they needed to consider becoming an artist.

He said: ?In an economically driven society like Bermuda, it?s nice to see people really pushing forward their artwork. I think the hope with the show is that the youngsters taking part don?t lose that as they get older.

?I think it?s very difficult here to do that. As a career choice, it?s something that people often can?t even conceive that that?s something they could do. That needs to change.

?Hopefully, the goal is that they can see their work here and perhaps investigate and consider a degree in arts. It does show them what they are able to do, what?s possible.

?Growing up as a Bermudian, I know what I didn?t get exposed to. We hope as well that by coming to this exhibition, we can encourage young people to come back. We have about 40 shows here a year and we try to get young people involved.?

The exhibition, supported by the Department for Education, featured a huge variety of art, from portraiture, still life and textile work to unusual sculptures inspired by the British artist Antony Gormley and tribal masks.

Pupils from Elliott Primary School, in Devonshire, recently visited the gallery to view their own art and that of other students.

Mr. Lapsley said: ?There is absolutely everything on display here and the standard of some is really good. They are starting off but the idea is there and the spark is there.

?The schools show is definitely our busiest show. It?s the one show I?m always a little daunted by the size of.

?Logistically, it?s usually difficult, but once everything is up and started, it?s fantastic. Our goal is to encourage everyone to come in and see what?s going on.?