Summer Solstice

About the Exhibition

Artists: A. J. Casson (1898–1992), Joachim Gauthier (1897–1988), Frederick Hagan (1918–2003), Agnes Johnson (1881–1952), J. E. H. MacDonald (1873–1932), Henri Masson (1907–1996), Florence H. McGillivray (1864–1938), Goodridge Roberts (1902–1974), Dorothy Stevens (1888–1966), Philip Surrey (1910–1990), F. H. Varley (1881–1969)

The summer solstice is an astronomical event when the sun is furthest from the equator and is at its highest point in the sky. Due to the earth’s axis and the sun’s position, it is also the day with the most extended period of sunlight and the shortest period of darkness. In the northern hemisphere, this event occurs in June and marks the official start of summer.

Many artists have revelled in the opportunity to spend time outdoors during summer, capturing the season’s essence. Featuring bright landscape vistas, colourful blossoms, and scenes of people enjoying various summer activities, Summer Solstice presents an eclectic assortment of works from the gallery’s permanent collection. Interspersed among these paintings are sketches by F. H. Varley, offering viewers an insight into what might be happening beyond each frame.

We thank the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham for their ongoing support in preserving and exhibiting the collection.

Image credits:
1. F. H. Varley, Study of Sheep, not dated, graphite on paper, 21.3 cm x 27.8 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham Deaccessioned from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Gift of Kathleen McKay, 1976, Donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988, 2020.04.49
2. Dorothy Stevens, Conversation Piece of Rody Kenny Courtice, 1934, oil on canvas, 109.2 cm x 86.5 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2001.1.1
3. Agnes Johnson, Milne Country House, Markham, c.1900–1910s, oil on canvas, 42.2 cm x 62.5 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Gift of the Estate of Kathleen Gormley McKay, 1996.1.11
4. J. E. H. MacDonald, Garden at Thornhill, Evening, 1931, oil on board, 21.5 cm x 26.7 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Gift of the Estate of Kathleen Gormley McKay, 1996.1.85
5. F. H. Varley, Woman Sketching at Easel, not dated, graphite on paper, 27.8 cm x 21.1 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Deaccessioned from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Gift of Kathleen McKay, 1976, Donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988, 2020.04.336
6. Goodridge Roberts, Country Road, c. 1942, watercolour with graphite on paper, 50.8 cm x 76.2 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Donated by Christopher Varley in memory of Carl Michailoff, 2020.02.01