SPARK THE ARTS BENEFIT CONCERT: AUGUST 21, 2022
Generously hosted by The Bartholomew Family
Spark The Arts was established following the sudden, devastating loss of Evan James Sparks to honor his memory in supporting independent artists for projects of film and other art forms.
First created in Spring 2021 by family friends, Spark The Arts has helped fund eight major projects to date -- supporting multiple independent artists' work in film, theatre, and music. Projects are evaluated carefully through an application process that includes a documented budget breakdown and production timeline. Funds are awarded to artists with the proven talent, training, dedication, motivation, and additional funding capabilities to see their projects through with the same sense of responsibility and passion for their art that Evan possessed. Project content is also considered for storylines, topic areas, and artistic style/design work that Evan would have been inspired by.
Friends of the Sparks family are generously hosting a benefit concert on August 21, 2022 to keep the fund going in Evan's name. The concert will feature music by Evan's father Jimmy Sparks and the 5 Cent Lucy band, as well as singer/songwriter Ross Newhouse, a grateful recipient of Spark The Arts funds.
All donations collected will be used to continue to help independent artists pursue their creative endeavors to bring meaning, enlightenment, thought, beauty, and joy to the world while being lifted and supported in Evan's name.
The Sparks family would like to thank you for any donation you desire to make to honor Evan's memory and keep the fund active. The love and support poured out by the far-reaching community means the world and is deeply felt.
ABOUT EVAN SPARKS (4.13.99 - 12.16.20)
Evan was a compassionate, loving, adventurous, funny, smart, hardworking, and talented young man who is deeply loved and missed.
He wrote his first screenplay in fifth grade and passionately believed in the art of storytelling to entertain, provoke thought, make change, and help people feel -- whether to be scared, laugh, cry, love, or heal. Starting with special effects tutorials, Evan grew into a creator and collaborator on narrative short films, music videos, and documentaries. He loved filmmaking and admired and respected all of the arts. He mentored and was mentored and surrounded himself with incredible creative talent. Most of all, Evan was a genuine connector and collaborator, as interested in helping other artists thrive as much as himself.
Evan was to be in his final semester at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts, a program in which he was fully immersed and completely dedicated. He was set to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production, with a specialty in directing, and had plans beyond graduation. His final thesis film was screened with those of his fellow FSU CMPA Class of 2021 students, and his college degree was awarded posthumously, in April 2021.
Evan's memory lives on through the endless love of his family and friends and in the projects afforded through Spark The Arts to continue his legacy and passion for the arts.
