Join our Gallery Animateurs for free 30-minute guided tours of the 2026 Summer Exhibitions, What holds us together and Sketching the Past. This program is funded by Canada Summer Jobs and the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham. Learn More
Join our Gallery Animateurs for free 30-minute guided tours of the 2026 Summer Exhibitions, What holds us together and Sketching the Past. This program is funded by Canada Summer Jobs and the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham. Learn More
Celebrate Canada Day at the Varley Art Gallery through a collaborative community mural. Visitors of all ages are invited to contribute to a shared artwork using a range of materials, with the piece evolving throughout the day. This participatory project offers an opportunity to engage with artistic expression while reflecting the diversity and creativity of […]
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, capturing the character of the historic village and its surrounding landscapes. In the evening, […]
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, and creative expression while creating their own artwork. Learn More
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 participants while they learn basic stitching, safe tool use, and how to turn fabric into something sustainable and […]
Celebrate the opening of the Varley Art Gallery’s 2026 Summer Exhibitions with an afternoon of art and conversation. Meet the exhibiting artists and curator, enjoy a sound healing performance, and take part in interactive activities. Light refreshments will be served. Learn More
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, and museum specimens through drawing. Meet a ROM Ambassador and explore real, touchable fossil specimens up close, then try […]
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 the collection. Learn More
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: The Fairest Order in the World. This session offers insight into Farooq’s creative process and current work. Learn More
