The staff, students, Board of Directors, alumni, the dance community locally and nationally are deeply saddened by the loss of co-founder, Cheryl Smith (Mama Cheryl) on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
A consistent and loving force in the North Hartford Community for more than 50 years, Mama Cheryl began teaching African dance to youth in Bellevue Square, and SAND in the mid-1960’s while in her early 20’s.
A native of Connecticut, Ms. Smith’s family has long deep roots in Greater Hartford. Her grandparents were the first African Americans to live, own land and a tavern in the town of Wethersfield. Many times, as an adult, she recounted the wonderful experiences she enjoyed as a child, as well as the racism she and her family endured in Wethersfield. Despite these experiences of the time, Cheryl spoke fondly of others who were loving, kind, and giving. She remained friends into adulthood with several of the children of Wethersfield families.
In 1970, in her mid 20’s after meeting Artists Collective Founder, Jackie McLean, and Dollie McLean, Founding Executive Director Emerita, Cheryl was invited to become a co-founder of the Artists Collective.
Ms. Smith taught dance and later became the Director of the Dance Department. Ten years prior to her appointment in 2005, Ms. Smith functioned in a leadership position as Program Director.
Studying dance with Phyllis Stone and Angela Bowen-Peters, Cheryl went on to become the Director of Dance at Westledge School in Simsbury. She also taught at the Watkinson School in West Hartford, the University of Connecticut, Trinity College, as well as numerous public schools.
As an early exponent of African Dance in Hartford and under the tutelage of “Aca” Lee Thompson, Artists Collective’s master choreographer, she has been a role model to generations of Hartford dancers of all ages and the inspiration for the development of numerous dance ensembles now performing and teaching in Greater Hartford. Ms. Smith has taught and performed throughout the state since the 1960’s.
Cheryl was appointed Associate Director of the Artists Collective in April 2005.
In her position as Associate Director, Ms. Smith’s duties included artistic administration and management functions of the day-to-day operations, an integral part of the leadership at the Artists Collective.
Cheryl Smith has received many community awards including most recently, The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs “Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award,” Distinguished Service for Dance Education from the Connecticut Dance Alliance, Trinity College Dance Department Pioneers Award, Saint Martins Episcopal Church Distinguished Service Award, and the Urban League’s Black History Month Imprints Award.
Dollie McLean, Founding Executive Director, Emerita said: “Cheryl Smith is remembered by thousands of Artists Collective students as Mama Cheryl.”
“Her patience while teaching or consoling a troubled, frustrated, or frightened child was gentle, and caring. However as well, her booming voice could quickly quiet a group of unruly youth, especially during our hot, but magnificent summer programs, never to be forgotten particularly at 35 Clark St.”
“Her talent and love of dance was always obvious while teaching or performing with her wonderful bright smile.”
“I spent many years with Cheryl, as she developed into a wonderful, sensitive woman of worldly substance, dedicating her life to the children, youth and families of Hartford and beyond through the Artists Collective since its founding 50 years ago. She was always by my side.”
“I grew to love Cheryl Smith dearly as a family member. I will always remember her with love and gratitude. I will miss her presence here on earth, however, her spirit will always remain with us as she dances, smiles and is blessed by the ancestors.”
Kriscia Hudgen-Grace, alumna, and Artists Collective dance instructor for over 30 years said: “I met Mama Cheryl at a time in my life when I needed guidance and nurturing. I was that child who left class when the building was closing for the night. Cheryl would say “Kriscia, you still here?” I would just look at her and say yes. She would drive me home every night.”
“Cheryl understood without saying a word that the Artists Collective was a safe haven. Cheryl was more than my dance teacher, she was my lifeline.”
“Our relationship was not known to many because it was personal and real. Thank you Mama Cheryl for molding me to become the woman I am today.”
“I will continue your work by uplifting the hearts and souls of children everywhere I go.”
Cheryl’s sisters Karen Marie, Adriene and Natalie Smith stated: “Cheryl was the Artists Collective, Cheryl loved the Artists Collective and dedicated her life to the Artists Collective, the community and beyond.”
“We want to thank everyone who sent cards, letters and flowers that clearly demonstrated the impact Cheryl had on their lives. For more information about arrangements, please visit
www.carmonfuneralhome.com.”
