Adult Programs

Co-presented with the Markham Group of Artists, this weekly program offers non-instructional life drawing sessions featuring a live, clothed model in long poses. Open to artists of all skill levels, it provides a relaxed and supportive environment for exploring portraiture and figure drawing. Please bring your own materials, including easels.

Register or drop in. Space is limited.

Note: No drop-in life drawing session on Friday, July 31. Doors open at 4:50 PM.

The Varley Art Gallery invites seniors 55+ to a free, two-hour art-making workshop at Amica Unionville. Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment as you explore your creativity, learn art techniques, and connect with others.

Amica Unionville is fully accessible. If you require accommodations or have specific needs, please contact us at varley@markham.ca in advance of your visit. This workshop is presented in partnership with Amica Unionville, and all materials are provided.

Learn how to paint dramatic skies filled with colour, light, and movement. Explore simple techniques for creating clouds, sunsets, and changing weather. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Discover the basics of watercolour painting in this three-week workshop. Learn about brushes, colour mixing, washes, and simple painting techniques while building confidence with the medium. Perfect for beginners.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Learn how to paint beautiful landscapes using watercolour. Over three sessions, explore techniques for skies, trees, water, and natural scenery while developing your skills. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Explore the beauty of flowers and plants through watercolour painting. Learn simple techniques for creating delicate petals, leaves, and natural colour blends over three classes. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

“Combine sketching, painting, and creative observation in this introduction to watercolour journaling. Learn how to capture everyday moments with simple illustrations, dynamic brush strokes, and lots of colour. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Paint a beautiful floral bouquet while learning the basics of still life painting. Practice colour mixing, composition, and brush techniques to bring flowers to life. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Turn a favourite photo of your pet into a personalized painting. Learn approachable techniques for capturing likeness and character. A fun and rewarding experience for animal lovers. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Capture the colours of the changing season in this autumn landscape workshop. Learn how to paint trees, fields, and warm fall skies using easy-to-follow techniques. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Discover the art of portraiture! This program will focus on the fundamentals of portraiture to understand the construction of the face and head by using a simple step-by-step drawing method. Next, we will use shading to create value and form. Together we will work towards capturing a likeness while drawing a professional model. Suitable for all skill levels.

Note: No class on Thursday, November 19, 2026. 

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

With a limited palette, learn to capture likeness using colour mixing, layering, and shading. Participants will be guided through the art of portraiture in a studio environment. Registration in conjunction with the program “Introduction to Portrait Drawing” is recommended.

Note: No class on November 19, 2026. 

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Discover the beauty of nature through coloured pencil drawing in this beginner-friendly botanical art course. Learn techniques for observing, shading, layering colour, and capturing the intricate details of flowers, leaves, and plants while creating vibrant, realistic drawings. Suitable for all skill levels.

Experience the beauty of oil painting! Learn the techniques and fundamentals of still life painting, including composition, colour mixing, and brushwork. Ideal for beginners and experienced painters eager to explore oils.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Build your creative confidence and have fun learning drawing fundamentals! Explore line, form, value, light, shadow, shading, and perspective through themed still life each week. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Note: There is no class on October 12 and October 26, 2026.

Discover the beauty of painting landscapes in this hands-on program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of landscape painting. Explore topics such as: oil painting safety, composition, value, and design, as well as focused lessons on how to paint sky, trees, clouds, buildings, shrubs, flowers and more. With step-by-step instructor guidance and critiques, this program is suitable for both beginner and seasoned landscape painters.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Explore colour, layering, and composition through demonstrations and hands-on painting. Perfect for beginners or those refreshing their skills.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

Discover the joy of painting landscapes! Learn composition, value, and design while developing your personal painting style. Step-by-step guidance and constructive critiques included. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris
Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Take your watercolour skills further! Build on basic techniques and explore colour, value, and composition through flowers and still life. Recommended for students with some prior watercolour experience.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Through artist’s demonstrations, exercises, and lots of time painting, participants will build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques, and composition. Perfect for beginners or those refreshing their skills.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

This introductory program is perfect for anyone new to photography. Learn the basics of composition, lighting, and camera use while practicing simple skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Artist/instructor: Joel Clements

Step into a four-week journey where clay becomes a bridge between your hands, your heart, and the wisdom of the earth. Guided with warmth and intention, every session invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature and the creativity within. Learn traditional techniques like pinching, coiling, sculpting, and carving while creating three unique ceramic pieces. Suitable for all skill levels. Finished works will be professionally bisque-fired and glaze-fired.

Artist/instructor: Vanessa Garcia

*All materials included. A $30 material fee is required and will cover all costs for clay, glaze, and firing.

This beginner-friendly mixed media and collage workshop introduces participants to creating art using a variety of materials. Learn simple techniques for layering, cutting, and combining images and textures to make a unique artwork. Some materials included.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon
Image credit: Olivana Tonon

Co-presented with the Markham Group of Artists, this weekly program offers non-instructional life drawing sessions featuring a live, clothed model in long poses. Open to artists of all skill levels, it provides a relaxed and supportive environment for exploring portraiture and figure drawing. Please bring your own materials including easels.

Register or drop in. Space is limited.

Note: There is no life drawing session on the first Wednesday of each month.

Theme: Harvest Pumpkin in Wool

Celebrate the beauty of autumn by creating your own sculptural felted pumpkin. Using wet felting techniques with wool, water, and soap, participants will shape, layer, and embellish a unique three-dimensional pumpkin to enjoy throughout the season.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova
Image credit: Rumy Glogova

Brush pen calligraphy is a beautiful art form that can add a personal touch to everything from greeting cards to event signage. Students will learn the fundamentals of modern brush pen calligraphy, including how to hold a brush pen, form basic strokes, and connect these strokes to form lowercase letters and words. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice. Suitable for all skill levels. 

Artist/Instructor: Erica Pinto
Image credit: Erica Pinto

Discover the creative possibilities of printmaking in this hands-on introductory course. Over four sessions, participants explore three popular printmaking techniques and develop their skills with each process: Styrofoam printing, gel printing, and linocut. Learn about design, texture, layering, composition, and colour while creating a collection of unique prints. Suitable for all skill levels

Artist/Instructor: Sarka Buchl Stephenson

This three-hour workshop is designed for students who would like to learn the art of modern pointed pen calligraphy. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of pointed pen calligraphy, including how to choose between a straight and oblique pen holder, prepare and use nibs, and work with ink. The class will cover basic calligraphy strokes and the lowercase alphabet, providing a strong foundation for further practice. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as brush calligraphy students who would like to learn pen-and-ink techniques.

Artist/Instructor: Erica Pinto
Image credit: Erica Pinto

*A $10 supply fee will need to be paid to the instructor at the start of the workshop.

This three-evening beginner workshop introduces participants to acrylic paints and mediums through the creation of an impressionistic landscape, waterscape or poppy painting. Participants will explore acrylics, learn to build textured surfaces, practice core colour-mixing skills, and develop colourful layered backgrounds. The final session focuses on adding detail, depth, and expressive marks to create an expressive finished painting. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/instructor: Kareen Hague
Image credit: Kareen Hague

Take your watercolour skills further! Build on basic techniques and explore colour, value, and composition through flowers and still life. Recommended for students with some prior watercolour experience.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

Learn or practice your acrylic painting skills while working from flowers and plants. Participants will explore colour mixing, brush control, layering, and techniques for creating form, texture, and detail. Suitable for all skill levels.

Step into a four-week journey where clay becomes a bridge between your hands, your heart, and the wisdom of the earth. Guided with warmth and intention, every session invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature and the creativity within. Learn traditional techniques like pinching, coiling, sculpting, and carving while creating three unique ceramic pieces. Suitable for all skill levels. Finished works will be professionally bisque-fired and glaze-fired.

Artist/instructor: Vanessa Garcia

*All materials included. A $30 material fee is required and will cover all costs for clay, glaze, and firing.

Theme: Wearable Felt – Merino Cowl

Create your own seamless felted infinity neck warmer using soft merino wool and silk fibres. Using wet felting techniques, transform natural fibres into a lightweight, reversible wearable accessory featuring unique textures, colours, and handmade details. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova
Image credit: Rumy Glogova

This beginner-friendly mixed media and collage workshop introduces participants to creating art using a variety of materials. Learn simple techniques for layering, cutting, and combining images and textures to make a unique artwork. Some materials included.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon
Image credit: Olivana Tonon

This beginner-friendly workshop introduces the fundamentals of acrylic painting through a simple bee and flower garden composition. Participants will learn basic brush handling, brush strokes, and simple colour mixing with a focus on greens, while exploring how to build a small painting step by step. Suitable for all skill levels. Participants will go home with a finished 5×7 painting ready to frame or add to a sketchbook.

*All supplies are provided. A nominal $10 artist fee applies to cover materials.

Discover the art of needle felting in this welcoming three-week fibre arts series. Learn how to transform soft wool fibres into a textured 2D felted artwork and a whimsical 3D gnome while exploring essential felting techniques, colour, texture, and form. Whether you’re new to fibre arts or looking to build your skills, this hands-on class offers a relaxing and creative space to explore the possibilities of wool. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova
Image credit: Rumy Glogova

*A materials kit ($25) is payable directly to the instructor (cash accepted). Additional specialty fibres will be available based on individual project needs.

Theme: Felted Tea Cozy

Create a unique handmade tea cozy while exploring the art of wet felting. Using soft wool fibres, participants will shape and decorate a functional three-dimensional piece that adds warmth, texture, and a creative touch to your table. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova
Image credit: Rumy Glogova

Get ready to explore the joy of painting outdoors. Learn about the gear and techniques that make plein air painting easy and fun. Begin in the studio with essential techniques, then apply your skills outdoors while capturing the charm of historic Unionville. Perfect for artists of all levels who want to prepare for a summer of outdoor painting.

The Varley Art Gallery invites seniors 55+ to a free, two-hour art-making workshop at Amica Unionville. Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment as you explore your creativity, learn art techniques, and connect with others.

Amica Unionville is fully accessible. If you require accommodations or have specific needs, please contact us at varley@markham.ca in advance of your visit. This workshop is presented in partnership with Amica Unionville, and all materials are provided.

Brush pen calligraphy can be used to add a personal touch to everything from greeting cards to event signage. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of modern brush pen calligraphy, including how to hold a brush pen, form basic strokes, and connect these strokes to form lowercase letters and words. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice. No experience required. 

Learn to paint vibrant summer landscapes and a variety of summer greens while exploring colour mixing, composition, and value. Develop your personal style with step-by-step guidance and feedback. Suitable for all levels.

Create a painted portrait of your pet while learning colour mixing, brushwork, layering, and techniques for capturing likeness and texture. Bring a reference photo of your pet. Suitable for all levels.

Learn how to draw portraits using charcoal in this hands-on drawing workshop! Learn step-by-step methods to construct faces and heads, then apply shading to create value and form. Work toward likenesses while drawing a professional model in a friendly, guided setting.

The Varley Art Gallery invites seniors 55+ to a free, two-hour art-making workshop at Amica Unionville. Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment as you explore your creativity, learn art techniques, and connect with others.

Amica Unionville is fully accessible. If you require accommodations or have specific needs, please contact us at varley@markham.ca in advance of your visit. This workshop is presented in partnership with Amica Unionville, and all materials are provided.

Create a travel-style watercolour journal while sketching and painting outdoors. Learn to capture scenes and moments using portable materials in historic Unionville (weather permitting). Suitable for all levels.

Paint colourful summer garden landscapes while exploring value, composition, and design. Step-by-step guidance and feedback will be given to support artists of all levels.

Create a travel-style watercolour journal while sketching and painting outdoors. Learn to capture scenes and moments using portable materials in historic Unionville (weather permitting). Suitable for all levels.

Capture the sparkling light and reflections of a summer lake while developing skills in colour, value, composition, and design. Includes step-by-step instructions and constructive critiques. Suitable for all levels.

Brush pen calligraphy can be used to add a personal touch to everything from greeting cards to event signage. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of modern brush pen calligraphy, including how to hold a brush pen, form basic strokes, and connect these strokes to form lowercase letters and words. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice. No experience required. 

Discover the magic of transforming soft wool fibres into stunning, sculptural vessels in this hands-on wet felting workshop. Using water, soap, and friction, you’ll explore the traditional flat resist method to create a unique 3D vase or bowl. Perfect for both beginners and experienced felters, this workshop guides you step-by-step through shaping, texturing, and decorating your piece. Learn how to form dimensional shapes, build structure, and add personal flair with specialty fibres and embellishments.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova

Image credit: Rumy Glogova

*A materials kit ($25) is payable directly to the instructor (cash accepted). Additional specialty fibres will be available based on individual project needs.

This workshop is designed for anyone who has taken a beginner-level brush pen calligraphy program. Students will practice uppercase letters and learn how to use these in combination with lowercase letters and words. The workshop will also enhance their calligraphy by experimenting with style variations and simple flourishes. Students will receive a set of take-home worksheets to continue their practice. 

Artist/Instructor: Erica Pinto

Image credit: Erica Pinto

Step into the world of wet felting and create your own everlasting spring flowers. This hands-on workshop introduces an ancient fibre art that transforms loose wool into sculptural forms using water, soap, and friction. Design your flowers inspired by nature or your imagination, and choose to finish each piece with a stem or as a wearable pin. Participants will take home 2–3 completed flowers, along with additional materials to continue exploring the art of felting at home. This workshop is perfect for beginners and inspiring for those with felting experience.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova

*A materials kit ($25) is payable directly to the instructor (cash accepted). Additional specialty fibres will be available based on individual project needs.

Discover the art of felting. Create a one-of-a-kind artwork using soft merino wool and the traditional techniques of needle and wet felting. Perfect for beginners and inspiring for those with experience, this workshop guides you step by step through “painting” with wool. Using a landscape image as reference, you’ll learn to layer colours, build texture, and add decorative embellishments for a personal touch.

Artist/Instructor: Rumy Glogova

*A materials kit ($25) is payable directly to the instructor (cash accepted). Additional specialty fibres will be available based on individual project needs.

The Varley Art Gallery is exited to invite you to participate in a free, two-hour art-making workshop, plus a 30 minute guided tour of our current exhibitions, designed especially for seniors. This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity for you to explore your imagination, learn new techniques, meet like-minded individuals and enjoy a relaxing creative experience. All materials provided.

Our venue is fully accessible. If your require accommodations or have special needs, please e-mail us at varley@markham.ca before your visit.

This opportunity is generously supported by the Government of Ontario, Seniors Community Grant Program.

The Varley Art Gallery is exited to invite you to participate in a free, two-hour art-making workshop, plus a 30 minute guided tour of our current exhibitions, designed especially for seniors. This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity for you to explore your imagination, learn new techniques, meet like-minded individuals and enjoy a relaxing creative experience. All materials provided.

Our venue is fully accessible. If your require accommodations or have special needs, please e-mail us at varley@markham.ca before your visit.

This opportunity is generously supported by the Government of Ontario, Seniors Community Grant Program.