• BAAR FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Investor . Scout . Collector . Global Markets Strategist . Creative Inclusionist

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    WILHELMINA JEWELL SPARKS

     

    Jewell Sparks is the founder and brainchild of BAAR. She currently works with established curators, journalists, gallerists, advisors, and institutions to ensure that the selection criteria and the artists selected for the art journey rach their highest potential both professionally and personally. 

     

    Jewell studied art foundation sculpture and painting simultaneously during her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology at Haverford, College outside of Philly. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Art Business Master's Certificate from Christie's. By day, Jewell is a venture development expert and managing partner of a private equity fund which raises, allocates and manages funds for various philanthropic families and corporates. She is also a Corporate innovation advisor,  tech journalist, and a co-founder of the mediatech and podcasting as a service company S42 Media (Startup42 Media).  Jewell obtained her MBA from University of San Francisco with a focus on Strategic Planning, Global Markets and Corporate Communications. She has always positioned herself at the intersection of art, science, fashion, and technology throughout her entire life both personally and professionally.

     

    Jewell has served on boards for public/private arts, media and community redevelopment initiatives focused on maintaining culture and uplifting communities throughout her entire career. Jewell was one of the original founders of the Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD) Vanguard Leadership Council, and was an active member of and collaborator of ArtSpan, MoMA and the de Young Museum in the early 2000's fostering inclusive art. Jewell the membership and events chair for the young professional boards of the San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Symphony. Upon opening, she was the acting VP of Strategic Development for The Jazz Heritage Center (JHC) which was the cultural and educational complex dedicated to the long history of Jazz in San Francisco and the Fillmore District. The Jazz Heritage Center was a museum, cultural center, and jazz art gallery (Lush Life Gallery). Jewell also served on the boards for the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF), San Francisco International Women's Film Festival, and is currently on the Board of the Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin, and the founder of the Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin R:LAB for aspiring film Directors and Producers.

     

    Currently, she is an International Council Member for the Museum Berggruen in Berlin, Germany and a jury member for the IADAS (Webby Awards, Lovies) and the Real Time Academy. Jewell is passionate about the preservation of culture and the inclusive lens by which stories are told via art and journalism. “Bridging the Gap,” by “Connecting the Dots” is her motto.