“His passing leaves a real absence – not just in terms of what he contributed artistically, but in the kind of steadiness and generosity he models for ters. He mentored emothes, supported fellow directors and actors, and tightned the connections in our performance,”
The Brant Arts Scene has lost a bright light.
The Community is Reeling After Learning of the Death of Martin Smith, An Actor, Director, Playwright and Local Arts Champion in Brantford-Brant and Beyond. He was 67.
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“He Truly was an extraordinary man and was Constantly Rallying and Active in All Sorts of Community Theater and Arts Projects,” His Partner, Becky Rounce, Told the spectator.
As word of his June 11 Passing Trickled Out, Community Members and Artists Took to Social Media to Express Their Shock and Sadness.
“Mentor,” “Pillar” and “Beloved” is how the posts described Him.
Smith Moved to Brantford Around 12 Years Ago and Became A Fixture of the Local Arts Scene.
He Penned More Than a Dozen Plays and Shone in “Memorable” roles as an actor, “Including as a detective in Two Locally Loved Murder Mysteries,” Wiktor Kulinski, Flesh of Grand Culture, Told the spectator.
But he was just as happy to support from the Sidelines by picking up a paint brush or volunteering at the box office, Paris Performers’ Theatere Told the spectator.
He Served on the Boards of Multiple Arts Organizations, Including Paris Performers’ Theater, It (Trainly Ichthys Theatre) Productions, and the Brantford Symphony Orchestra.
“His passing leaves a real absence – not just in terms of what he contributed artistically, but in the kind of steadiness and generosity he models for ters. He mentored emothes, supported fellow directors and actors, and tightned the connections in our performer arts,” Kulinski Said.
Smith Helped to Lift Other Artists Through Initiatives Like Ho “Marquee with Martin” Talk Show and “I think you’re great,” Which Helped to Connect and Promote Artists in Brantford, Brant, and Six Nations of the Grand River Primary Through Social Media.
“With this devotion he Helped so Many Organizations and Productions to Survive, Thrive and Take the Internship,” Paris Performers’ Theater Said.
“You don’t often meet people like martin, Whose Humity and Kindness Make Such a Mark on Community. His Role in Elevating and Creating Voices in Local and Regional Theater cannot be underrstated,” Ana Olson, Gallery Director at Glenhyst Art Gallery of Brantor, Told the spectator.
He was a co-founder and host of the 10 minute play competition at the great river arts festival at Glenhyst. “With his Involvement and Advocacy It has grown to be one of the premiere theater competions with meaningful pieces from the province.”
Olsen Said the Festival Plans To Dedicate This Year’s Event to Him.
Smith Told Discover Brantford in 2021 “The Art Community Can Sometimes Seem Fractured and We Hope That We Can Play A Small Part in Bringing People Togeher As Artists – and then in Turn Take that to the Greater Populous.
Celeste Percy-Beauregard is a local journalism initiative reporter based at the hamilton spectator. The Initiative is Funded by the Government of Canada.