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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, […]

Aug 1 – 2 | One Love Festival

Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2, 2026 11 AM to 4 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Celebrate community and culture at the second annual One Love Festival. This vibrant weekend brings people together through music, art, and food in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy live performances, creative activities, and […]

Aug 14 – 16 | Button-Making inspired by the Markham Indy

Friday to Saturday, August 14 to 16, 2026 During gallery public hours $5/group (up to 4) Registration not required About the Program Enjoy a drop-in button-making activity inspired by the Markham Indy. Create your own design using racing-inspired colours, patterns, and imagery, and take home a unique keepsake to remember the day. Located just a […]

Aug 22 – 23 | Markham Jazz Festival

Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2026 10 AM to 5 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program During the Markham Jazz Festival, the Varley Art Gallery will be open for visitors to enjoy self-guided tours. Step inside to explore our current exhibitions at your own pace in a welcoming, air-conditioned space, […]

Aug 29 | Process Over Product: Experimental Drop-in Art Workshop

Saturday, August 29, 2026 1 to 4:30 PM Free | Registration not required About the Program Inspired by the current exhibitions, visitors are invited to drop into an open studio focused on experimentation. Explore mark-making, layering, and abstraction without the pressure of a finished product, emphasizing intuition and creative process. All materials provided. About “What […]

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 […]

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 […]