The Kelly Duda Arts Education Scholarship Fund

You most amazing humans. We are overwhelmed by the amount of love and support you have shown. Thank-you.Our original goal was reached- a true testament to the force of Kelly and the impact she had on so many. Per her family, the goal has been extended to continue to support her legacy and her love. Please know her family was incredibly inspired by your acts of kindness during such an incredibly difficult time.

The CORE organization is heartbroken at the sudden passing of one of our most beloved teaching artists, Kelly Duda.

Kelly was a fierce advocate for children. She held a deep and abiding faith in the positive impacts of the arts, and she used her own creativity and artistic skill to help support local arts programs. Although she was a busy mother of two boys, Kelly was committed not only to her family, but to their friends, classmates, neighbors, and the local arts community. Kelly was happiest when she was helping others. She was the props master/designer for CORE Youth Theater, worked with the Bristol Child Opportunity Zone, taught a variety of arts enrichment classes to K-8 students, she volunteered at school dances, color runs, and at cross country and track and field meets. Kelly was a calming, steady presence during anxious rehearsals and performances. She connected with kids easily and enthusiastically. She cured pre-show jitters and backstage cold feet. She encouraged, she supported, she nurtured, she nudged. She offered her time and talents to programs that enriched the lives of our children. Tiverton has lost a great friend and a champion of the local arts community. We are asking you to continue Kelly’s good work and support a scholarship in her honor.

Beginning in Spring 2025, and each spring following, a graduating senior pursuing arts or arts education will be awarded the Kelly Duda Arts Education Scholarship Fund.

A portion of this scholarship will also benefit students engaged in the BCOZ (Bristol Child Opportunity Zone) afterschool arts enrichment program.