Beneath the Surface: Stories of Kinship and Connection exhibiting artist Emma Nishimura will share insights into her research and art practice, which explore the complicated experiences of her paternal grandparents and Japanese Canadians during and after their forced incarceration in World War II. This talk highlights her work, creative processes, and reflections on navigating generational […]
Discover the art of printmaking with 2025 Winter Exhibition artist Karen Law. Learn step-by-step techniques to create your own unique prints and explore your creativity in a fun, hands-on environment. Perfect for beginners and art lovers alike. All materials included. Learn More
Join Varley Art Gallery curator Anik Glaude for an engaging discussion on selected works from our collection and 2025 Winter Exhibitions. Gain unique insights into the stories, themes, and techniques behind the art, and enjoy light refreshments in an intimate setting. Learn More
Join us to celebrate the launch of our winter exhibitions, Karen Kar Yen Law: Better Bitter, Beneath the Surface: Stories of Kinship and Connection, and The Printmaker’s Matrix: Process, Image, and Innovation. Engage with talks by the artists and curator, get creative with family-friendly printmaking activities, and enjoy a festive Chinese lion dance performance. Savour delicious snacks and drinks while connecting with […]
Join us for a free Art Bus adventure with exhibiting artist Meera Sethi. Starting at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) located at 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, participants will travel together by bus to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham in Historic Unionville to enjoy a guided tour of Meera Sethi: A Brief History of Wear led […]
Drop in for a festive, hands-on Christmas activity, enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, and then head to Main Street Unionville for the magical Candlelight Parade. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season together—pay what you can. Learn More
While many focus on sight when birdwatching, led by artist and birder Scott Rogers, this walk will encourage you to engage your other senses, prioritizing hearing and bodily awareness to connect with wildlife in local Markham habitats. Binoculars and bird books are welcome but not required. This program includes a guided tour of the Varley […]
Reusable menstrual pads offer a sustainable alternative to costly disposable products and provide an excellent project for practicing sewing. This workshop features a guided tour of the Varley’s current exhibitions, focusing on the history and functions of fabrics to inspire participants. Following the tour, participants will create a reusable menstrual pad from scratch. In partnership with […]
In this artist talk, Kurdish-Canadian artist Roda Medhat explores the intersection of scale, light, and cultural identity within his body of work. Medhat will delve into how he uses large-scale installations and light based works to create immersive experiences that provoke conversations around cultural preservation, identity, and placehood. By examining key projects, neon rugs to […]
In this virtual artist talk, Par Nair will discuss her interdisciplinary art practice, which encompasses oil painting, hand embroidery, installation, and writing. Nair will share how her work seeks to collaborate with the women who came before her, while unraveling the cultural, historical, and personal narratives embedded in South Indian textiles and familial archives. Learn […]
