The Durham Arts Council has become a special place for Dr. Jessica Sperling, left, and daughter, Eve. Photo by Jack Frederick.
Ignite Your Creative Side with an Art Class Receive a 10 percent discount on Durham Arts Council classes
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ver the summer, Engagement for the Duke Dr. Jessica Sperling’s Social Science Research Institute. 10-year-old daughter, Founded in 1954, the Durham Eve Smokoski, wanted Arts Council [durhamarts.org] to write a song. promotes access to, and love and Using Taylor Swift music support of, the arts through a variety as the backdrop, Eve began of youth and adult classes, including researching and scribbling lyrics pottery, visual arts, photography, about Indonesia to the tune of graphic design, and more. Swift’s song, “Blank Space.” Registration for classes through “Indonesia’s where I’ve been December, such as ceramics, / I can show you incredible painting, stitching and calligraphy, Jessica Sperling’s children, Liddy, left, and Eve, right, show off their art. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jessica Sperling. things / Snorkels, flowers, is underway. The diversity of content islands, swim,” Eve’s lyrics read. is designed to help anyone, no matter age or skill level, discover Eve was captivated by Indonesia after taking part in a artistic passions. singing activity about countries at a Durham Arts Council The recent summer camp became an outlet for Eve to performing arts summer camp in 2021. Ahead of the next camp continue to write songs, and this past summer, she shared the this past August, she began writing her own lyrics to music with song lyrics about Indonesia with Durham Arts Council camp time off from elementary school. organizers. It was the first song she has shared beyond family. For the Sperling/Smokoski family, a 10 percent discount Camp organizers loved it, and during camp, she and that all staff and faculty receive on adult and youth classes at the other campers practiced the lyrics in anticipation of the first Durham Arts Council has helped Eve and sister, Liddy, chase public performance of Eve’s song. On the final afternoon in their love for creativity. Over the years, they have attended art August, Eve and other campers sang the song together over an summer camps, piano lessons, and other workshops. It’s where instrumental for their families. When it comes to fostering a love Eve fostered her love of writing songs, and Liddy took an for expression, the Sperling family will continue to turn to the interest in visual arts. Durham Arts Council for inspiration. “The staff who work there have always been really kind “The activities they do seem to be really fun and engaging,” and warm, creative and fun, which is really a wonderful thing,” Sperling said. “My kids always really love it.” said Sperling, director of Applied Research, Evaluation, & By Jack Frederick
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