The mural, located on the east wall of the Sanderson Centre at 88 Dalhousie Street, was created by DRIFT Mural Co. Photo courtesy City of Brantford
The City of Brantford, Ont., held a public event in early November to celebrate the completion of A Star Over Brantford: A Tribute to Phil Hartman, a mural honouring the late actor, comedian, and graphic designer. The event outside the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts featured formal remarks, entertainment by comedian Graham Chittenden, and refreshments.
The mural, located on the east wall of the Sanderson Centre at 88 Dalhousie Street, was created by DRIFT Mural Co. The design process included input from a community consultation facilitated by the City of Brantford and stakeholders such as Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services, the Sanderson Centre, local comedian Calwyn Shurgold, and the Hartmann family. Mural Routes, a not-for-profit arts organization, managed artist selection.
Phil Hartman, a Brantford native, gained international acclaim for his work on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and NewsRadio. The mural captures his life and career through portraiture, floral imagery, and symbolic references.
Artists Dominic Laporte and Anaϊs Labrèque incorporated numerous details into the mural, including a bicycle representing Hartman’s connection to Pee-Wee Herman, scenes from his childhood in Brantford, and a purple ribbon symbolizing support for victims of domestic violence. Career highlights are depicted with images of characters such as Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz from The Simpsons, along with a nod to Hartman’s role in Jingle All the Way.
Mayor Kevin Davis emphasized the importance of public art, stating, “Public art benefits our city in numerous ways. The Phil Hartman mural celebrates the remarkable achievements of one of our most famous residents and highlights the profound connection between his legacy and the City of Brantford.”
Councillor Rose Sicoli added, “The City of Brantford is thrilled to honour the life and work of the late Phil Hartman through the creation of this mural. The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts has been a destination for arts and entertainment in Brantford’s downtown since 1919 and is the perfect home for this public art piece.”
Phil Hartman’s brother, Paul Hartmann, reflected on the mural’s significance, stating, “Phil would be very proud and humbled by this fantastic mural.”
Exterior lighting will soon be installed to enhance the mural’s visibility.
