The ceremony marks the completion of a mural honoring comedian Phil Hartman

On By Yukito

Published October 23, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minutes of reading

The ceremony marks the completion of a mural honoring comedian Phil Hartman
A mural paying tribute to Brantford native Phil Hartman’s career as a film and voice actor, comedian, graphic designer and screenwriter adorns the east wall of the Sanderson Center in downtown Brantford. The City of Brantford will host a free event to celebrate the completion of the mural on Monday, November 4, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Photo: Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/Exhibitor

There will be a free ceremony, open to the public, on Nov. 4 to commemorate the completion of a mural honoring actor and comedian Phil Hartman on the exterior wall of the Sanderson Center.

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The event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be official remarks in front of the mural, followed by a performance by local comedian Graham Chittenden and light refreshments in the lobby of the Sanderson Center at 88 Dalhousie St.

Hartman's mural
Dominic Laporte of Drift Mural Company of Ottawa works on a mural paying tribute to Brantford resident the late Phil Hartman on the 105 x 22 foot wall of the Sanderson Center in downtown Brantford on Friday, October 4, 2024. The tag-like markings are a grid of scribbles, with used by the muralist and which are not visible in the finished work. Photo: Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/Exhibitor

The city contracted DRIFT Mural Co. creating a piece of art honoring Hartman, who was born in Brantford and is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.

Hartman’s brother, Paul Hartmann, called the work “a beautiful tribute to someone who is missed by so many.”

“Phil would be very proud and humbled to see this fantastic mural.”

“Through a combination of portraits, nature images and historical references, the muralists highlighted both well-known and lesser-known aspects of Phil Hartman’s life and the city he first called home,” reads a press release issued by the city.

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“The centerpiece of the mural design is a vibrant portrait of Hartman surrounded by flowers, including the city’s floral emblem, the daffodil. A delicate purple ribbon on the lapel pays tribute to victims of domestic violence. Below his portrait is a bicycle, an ode to the famous Pee-Wee Herman character, which Phil Hartman helped create. The name Mike was subtly added to the bike, paying homage to the community spirit embodied by “Mike on a Bike,” a beloved Brantford resident known for bringing people together.”

The mural depicts notable places from Hartman’s youth, such as his childhood home and Wilkes Dam, as well as references to memorable moments from his career, including an SNL sketch with Wayne Gretzky. Above, the plane pays homage to Hartman’s lesser-known passions of flying, surfing and sailing.

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A film strip appears near the historic “On Air” sign, paying nod to his work on the NewsRadio television series and chronicling key milestones in his career, including some of his beloved characters and incarnations – Chick Hazard Private Eye, Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz from “The Simpsons.”, Frostbitten Caveman, Bill Clinton and Bill McNeal.

Hartman's mural
Anais Labreque of Drift Mural Company of Ottawa works on a mural paying tribute to Brantford resident the late Phil Hartman on the 105 x 22 foot wall of the Sanderson Center in downtown Brantford on Friday, October 4, 2024. The tag-like markings are a scrawling grid used by muralist and will not be visible once completed. Photo: Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/Exhibitor

A selection of album covers highlight Hartman’s early successes in graphic design, and his photo is featured in the film Jingle All the Way.

“The mural culminates with Hartman’s iconic photo with the bronze lions from Brantford City Hall, in which he looks back, pays tribute to his career and reflects on his pride in his achievements and his hometown,” the release reads.

County Rose Sicoli, who first proposed the mural idea, said the city was “excited to have the opportunity to honor the life and work” of Hartman.

“The Sanderson Center for the Performing Arts has been an arts and entertainment destination in downtown Brantford since 1919 and is the perfect setting for this spectacular work of public art,” Sicoli said.

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