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2025 Annual Report

Our 2025 Annual Report is now available: 2025 Annual Report Overview In 2025, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham experienced transformation and growth, demonstrated resilience, and achieved record-breaking engagement. “2025 was a stellar year for the Varley. We reached a new attendance level of 67,000 visitors, surpassing the previous high set in 2024. Since opening […]

May 23 | 2026 Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception

Saturday, May 23, 2026 2 PM to 4 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Celebrate the opening of the Varley Art Gallery’s 2026 Summer Exhibitions with an afternoon of art and conversation. Meet exhibiting artists Par Nair, Scott Sawtell, and Vicky Talwar, along with curator Anik Glaude; enjoy a sound-healing performance by […]

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 […]

June 10 | Lunch and Learn with Scott Sawtell

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 12:30 to 1:30 PM Free | Online | Zoom link provided upon registration About the Program Take your lunch break with us and join a free online talk with Scott Sawtell, featured artist from the Varley Art Gallery’s summer exhibition What holds us together. This session offers insight into Sawtell’s creative process […]

June 6 – 7 | Unionville Festival

Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 2026 10 AM to 4 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Visit the Varley during the Unionville Festival for a hands-on art activity designed for all ages. Inspired by our 2026 Summer Exhibitions, families and visitors of all ages are invited to explore colour, materials, […]

June 13 | Unionville Plein Air Festival

Saturday, June 13, 2026 Presented by the Markham Group of Artists About the Program The Markham Group of Artists, in partnership with the Varley Art Gallery, presents the Unionville Plein Air Festival, a one-day celebration of outdoor painting in the heart of Main Street Unionville. Throughout the day, artists will create original works on site, […]

June 14 | Responsive Architecture: From a Surface to System

Sunday, June 14, 2026 1 to 4 PM Outdoor courtyard and Deacon Community Room at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham About the Program You’re invited to Responsive Architecture: From a Surface to System, a public exhibit of four architectural pavilions designed and built by students from the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]