Brantford comic artist Andrew Thomas is turning years of dedication to comics, illustration, and lettering into new creative opportunities. Known for his work on major comic book and entertainment franchises, Thomas continues to expand his artistic practice while building a career in an industry that combines storytelling, visual art, and design.

In addition to his professional work, Thomas is one of the organizers behind Brantford Comic Con, helping to grow the event into a celebration of comics, pop culture, and creative talent in the city. His success highlights the growing impact of Brantford's creative community and demonstrates how local artists can connect their talents to national and international opportunities.

Thomas's journey is a reminder that creative careers can take many forms—from traditional gallery work to publishing, comics, illustration, and creative media—and that local artists can play an important role in shaping the cultural life of their community.

Read the full article by Brant Beacon.

The Not-So-Basic, Basics is perfect introductory program for youth looking to deepen their understanding of musical theatre or for those who want to start their journey in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

The Not-So-Basic, Basics will cover essential components of musical theatre, including:
Vocal Training: Develop your singing technique and discover your unique voice.
Acting Skills: Learn the fundamentals of character development and scene work.
Dance Techniques: Explore various dance styles that are integral to musical theatre.

In addition to these core areas, students will have the opportunity to delve into stagecraft elements, gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes magic of productions.

At the end of the 10-week program, students will showcase their skills in a collaborative performance for family and friends, celebrating their growth and creativity.

We are looking for musicians willing to volunteer for our "pit band" in a full scale musical of DEAR EVAN HANSEN produced by 20 Performing Arts Academy, being performed in November 2026 at BCI, in Brantford. Please send your resume and instrument you are interested in playing.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM, for one night only, the beautiful musical drama Ruth will be presented by acclaimed performing company Arcady Ensemble at St. James United Church in Simcoe, ON. Ruth is a moving story of immigration and welcoming newcomers into one's homeland. The drama follows the life of Ruth, an independent, strong, and hopeful woman as she searches for a better life for herself and her people. Written in 1996 with words by librettist Roger Bayley and music by Simcoe native Ronald Beckett, Ruth has been performed by Arcady and other ensembles in Canada and the US over the past 30 years. This special production will feature a cast of past and present Arcady Emerging Artists headed by Cristina Pisani as Ruth, Laurence Williams as Boaz, Anjelique Croteau as Naomi, and Sophia Korz as Orpah. This outstanding cast will be supported by Arcady’s professional chorus, orchestra, dancers, and youth chorus with the composer himself, Ronald Beckett, leading the company as musical director. Arcady looks forward to bringing Ruth once more to Southern Ontario audiences! Tickets at $40 (general) or $15 (student) are available at www.arcady.ca, through email at info@arcady.ca (email to inquire about group rates), in person at Norfolk Holistic Foods, 17 Peel St., Simcoe, or by calling 519-428-3185. For more information, please visit arcady.ca.

🌸🌼 LUNAR WEBB MAY FLOWERS MARKET IS HERE!

Join us on Sunday, May 31st for a full day of shopping, community, and a little bit of spring magic.

🛍 30+ Local Vendors

🌼 Spring Flowers Theme

✨ Handmade goods + creative finds

🕙 Market: 10 AM to 3 PM

📍 Polish Hall, 154 Pearl Street, Brantford

💛 In support of Why Not City Missions

For more than 20 years, Why Not City Missions has been empowering vulnerable youth in Brantford through relationship, mentorship, housing support, hot meals, life skills programming, and a safe place to belong. Their Why Not Youth Centre provides free drop-in support seven days a week for youth facing barriers including homelessness, instability, and mental health challenges, while programs like supportive housing help young people build brighter futures.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and come support local makers while helping support an organization doing incredible work in our community.

✨ RSVP, invite your people, and let’s watch something beautiful bloom together.

Despite heavy rain, the fourth annual Banfield Art Crawl drew more than 100 visitors this past weekend, highlighting the strength and spirit of Brant Regins local arts community.

The neighbourhood event featured local artists showcasing and selling their work throughout the Banfield area, giving residents the opportunity to connect directly with creatives and explore a wide range of handmade art and crafts.

Events like the Banfield Art Crawl continue to demonstrate how community-driven arts initiatives bring people together and support local artists, rain or shine.

This summary is based on reporting by Kimberly de Jong for the Brant Beacon.

Read the full article here: Brant Beacon article by Kimberly de Jong

The City of Brantford is seeking five artists to create original artwork that will be used to wrap traffic cabinets across the community this summer

This project builds on the City’s existing traffic cabinet wrap program and aims to deter graffiti and add vibrant, creative touches to public spaces. Expanding this initiative will help curb instances of graffiti on City-owned traffic cabinets while further beautifying the City and celebrating the talent of local artists.

The deadline for submissions is 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗽.𝗺. Apply now: www.Brantford.ca/TrafficCabinets.

Pictured artwork by Ghazaleh Rastgar.