Joan Chandler of Sheatre Named Winner of First Annual Phil Hartman Arts and Humanitarian Award

Joan Chandler, Artistic Director of Sheatre, the Ontario based educational alternative theatre, has been announced as the winner of the first annual Phil Hartman Arts and Humanity Award. Chandler will receive the award at the Gala Night of the Brantford Comedy Festival to be held at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford on September 25, 2010.

Paul Hartmann, Phil’s brother will be onstage to present Chandler with the inaugural award. “ My brother Phil always wanted to devote his time, attention and effort to the community in order to draw attention to the arts. I see this award going to worthwhile artists and organizations that are not necessarily well known, but that need and deserve the attention. It made sense to me to choose Joan as the first honoree.  She is humble, kindhearted, strong and intuitively creative, with a keen eye on the future of what serves humanity through the arts.”

Joan is the founding Artistic Director of Sheatre, which celebrated its 25^th anniversary in May of 2010. She has been involved in the creation and production of hundreds of plays and workshops across Canada, England and the United States, focusing in recent years on the creation of works that celebrate community and creative spirit. Joan is a four time recipient of the Ontario Arts Council Artists in Education Award.

The Phil Hartman Arts and Humanitarian Award is being designed by Paul Hartmann and Grant Nicholson of Nicholsondesign, located in Owen Sound, Ontario.  The award itself is a one of a kind design, made of a solid piece of hardwood and enclosing the innards of a Magic 8 Ball, an homage to an unusual Hartmann family tradition. “ We envision the award itself to reflect the uniqueness, pride of craftsmanship and organic artistry that symbolizes Phil, and also each honoree”.  Using CNC manufacturing, the  award will feature Phil  Hartman’s logo and the Latin motto: “Amor Ars Humanitas”.

For more information on Sheatre, see their website, www.sheatre.com. For more information on Grant Nicholson Design, see their website, www.gnicholsondesign.com.   For a schedule of events and venues for the Brantford Comedy Festival, go to www.brantfordcomedyfestival.com