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Apr 18 | Sketching the Past: A Hands-On Dinosaur Experience

Saturday, April 18, 2026 2 to 4 PM Free | In-person | Limited space; registration recommended About the Program Join the Varley Art Gallery and the Royal Ontario Museum for an engaging, hands-on experience inspired by the Varley’s 2026 Winter Exhibition, Sketching the Past. Discover how Group of Seven artist Fred Varley closely observed dinosaurs, fossils, […]

Apr 19 | Curator’s Corner

Sunday, April 19, 2026 2 PM Free | In-person | Limited space; registration recommended About the Program Step into our Collections Gallery and explore the Varley Art Gallery’s historical works with a guided curator tour by Anik Glaude. Hear the fascinating stories behind the artworks, learn about Fred Varley, his drawings, and the history of […]

May 17 | First Stitches Hands-on Sewing Workshop

Sunday, May 17, 2026 2 to 3:30 PM Free | Ages 6+ | Registration required  About the Program In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will create their own felt plushies like stars, tiny characters, animals, and anything you can think of by using simple hand sewing techniques. Step-by-step guides and mentors will be there to support […]

July 18 | Painting with Thread with artist Par Nair

Saturday, July 18, 2026 1 to 4 PM Free | Registration required About the Program Join us for a free, hands-on embroidery workshop with exhibiting artist Par Nair to create a small, hand-stitched work inspired by the Varley’s 2026 Summer Exhibitions. Drawing from traditions of painting and mark-making, this program approaches embroidery as a gestural, […]

Mar 28 | Fundraiser: Boots for Art

Saturday, March 28, 2026 7 to 10 PM Tickets: $50 Benefiting the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham About the Fundraiser Pull on your boots and hit the dance floor at Boots for Art, a lively line dancing lesson led by the crowd-favourite Cheatin’ Hearts. This upbeat, beginner-friendly evening brings the community together for music, movement, and a […]

Mar 11 | Lunch and Learn with Sameer Farooq

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 12:30 to 1:30 PM Free | Online | Zoom link provided upon registration  Revisit the conversation anytime with the full program recording: Watch Recording About the Program Take your lunch break with us and join a free online talk with Sameer Farooq, featured artist from the Varley Art Gallery’s winter exhibition Sameer Farooq: […]

Feb 21 and 22 | LunarFest 2026

Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2026 10 AM to 5 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program 2026 LunarFest GTA returns to the Varley Art Gallery with a new set of Lunar Lanterns, free workshops, and a film screening. Welcome the Year of the Horse through arts and storytelling for the […]

Lunar Lanterns

February 21 to March 20, 2026 Free | at the Varley Art Gallery courtyard About the Program Featuring artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, this year’s lanterns share stories of heritage, identity, and connection. Participating artists include Stephanie Avery, a Canadian artist, Philip Cote, an Indigenous artist, Keerat Kaur, a Canadian artist of Sikh-Panjabi heritage, Jieun […]

Feb 7 | 2026 Winter Exhibitions Opening Reception

Saturday, February 7, 2026 2 PM to 4 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Join us for the opening of our 2026 Winter Exhibitions at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. The afternoon will feature in-gallery talks by exhibiting artist Sameer Farooq and curator Anik Glaude, an immersive dance performance choreographed by […]

Feb 1, 8, and 15 | Black History Month Storybook Studio: Drop-In Reading and Art Activity

Sundays, February 1, 8, and 15, 2026 1 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Celebrate Black History Month with a free, drop-in storytime and art activity featuring children’s books by Black Canadian authors. Each session begins with a story read aloud, giving families a chance to relax, listen, and enjoy together. After […]