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 Wednesday, March 18 due to March Break Camps.

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 acrylic pouring and create your own vibrant, flowing masterpieces! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll experiment with colors, techniques, and textures to produce unique abstract artworks. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. Let your creativity flow and take home a one-of-a-kind painting.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

Image credit: Olivana Tonon

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

Build your creative skill set with the class that puts the “fun” in the fundamentals of drawing! Learn how to use a variety of drawing tools while exploring topics such as: line, form, value , light, shadow and perspective. Each week we will cover a new drawing theme with a series of still life’s to sharpen our drawing skills! Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Note: There is no class on May 18 and 25, 2026. 

Learn the fundamentals of landscape painting while exploring its beauty. 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. This program is suitable for both beginner and seasoned landscape painters.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

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

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 Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Learn the fundamentals of colour, composition, and pouring techniques while creating vibrant, abstract pieces. This program is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hands-on artistic experience.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

Experience the beauty of oil painting! Learn the techniques and fundamentals of still life painting, including composition, colour mixing, and brushwork. This program is perfect for beginner and experienced artists who would like to add oil painting to their skill set.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris

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. Perfect for beginners and seasoned painters.

Artist/instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Explore the bold and expressive art of linocut printmaking. Learn design, carving, inking, and printing while experimenting with texture, colour, and composition. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to try a hands-on printmaking technique.

Artist/Instructor: Sydney Hanson

Whether you are new to painting or returning to your practice, this program is a great way to relax and enjoy the painting process. Work in acrylics on paper and canvas alongside the instructor as she guides you through beginner techniques to create landscapes, portraits, and still-life paintings from reference images. No experience required. 

Artist/Instructor: Bernadette Lau

Learn the fundamentals of colour, composition, and pouring techniques while creating vibrant, abstract pieces. This program is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hands-on artistic experience.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

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, participants will learn to use shading to create value and form. Together, this program will work towards capturing a likeness while drawing a professional model. Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: 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 this encouraging studio environment. Registration in conjunction with “Introduction to Portrait Drawing” is recommended.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Dive into the fun of acrylic pouring! Learn the fundamentals of colour and composition while creating abstract pieces on canvas. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hands-on artistic experience in a supportive studio environment.

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.

Brush pen calligraphy is a beautiful art form that can be used to 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. No experience required. 

Artist/Instructor: Erica Pinto

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. No experience required.

Artist/instructor: Kareen Hague

Image credit: Kareen Hague

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

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

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

Create a unique Tree of Life wall hanging while learning the fundamentals of traditional needle felting and wet felting techniques. This tactile and meditative experience invites students to explore the magical transformation of loose wool fibre using water, soap, and their hands, while playing with colour and texture to express their own personal vision. Perfect for beginners and inspiring for those with experience in felting.

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.

Learn how to create your own designs and print them onto textiles, including t-shirts, tote bags, and fabric panels. Explore basic techniques, tools, and colour application, and leave with your own custom-printed creations. Perfect for anyone looking to add a personal, creative touch to fabric projects. Some materials provided.

Artist/Instructor: Sydney Hanson

Learn the fundamentals of colour, composition, and pouring techniques while creating vibrant, abstract pieces. This program is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hands-on artistic experience.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

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.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

Image credit: Olivana Tonon

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 bold and expressive art of linocut printmaking in this hands-on four-week course. Learn every step of the process—from designing and carving your image to inking and printing your own limited edition. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore techniques for creating texture, contrast, and composition, experiment with colour, and gain confidence using professional tools and materials. Perfect for beginners.

Artist/Instructor: Sydney Hanson

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of abstract art, including colour and composition. Create unique art on canvas in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshops offers hands-on experience to unleash your creativity!

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Through artist’s demonstrations, exercises, and lots of time painting, you’ll build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques, and composition. No experience required.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

Painting in watercolours is both exciting and rewarding. Further your knowledge of basic techniques with colour, value, and design theories by painting flowers and still life’s from reference photos. Participants should have completed an introductory level program, or have some experience with watercolours before signing up for this intermediate level class.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of abstract art, including colour and composition. Create unique art on canvas in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshops offers hands-on experience to unleash your creativity!

Discover the magic of monoprinting! In this four-week program, you’ll experiment with gel plates and acrylic paint to create dynamic prints. Learn layering, masking, image transfers, and painting directly on the plate to produce textured, vibrant works. Perfect for anyone curious about printmaking.

Artist/instructor: Sarka Buchl Stephenson

Discover the magic of acrylic pouring and create your own vibrant, flowing masterpieces! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll experiment with colors, techniques, and textures to produce unique abstract artworks. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. Let your creativity flow and take home a one-of-a-kind painting.

Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

Build your creative skill set with the class that puts the “fun” in the fundamentals of drawing! Learn how to use a variety of drawing tools while exploring topics such as: line, form, value , light, shadow and perspective. Each week we will cover a new drawing theme with a series of still life’s to sharpen our drawing skills! Suitable for all skill levels.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Note: No class on Thursday, March 19 due to March Break Camps.

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.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Note: No class on Thursday, March 19 due to March Break Camps.

Discover the art of portraiture in this introductory class designed to simplify the portrait painting process. Beginning with one colour, learn how to accurately place the features, and bring your painting to life, by adding value and shading. Next, explore the “Zorn” palette, a simple and effective system for mixing realistic skin tones. Using just three colours plus white, you’ll learn how to create a range of warm and cool flesh tones to paint quickly and accurately in either oil or acrylic paint. Perfect for anyone looking to simplify their portrait painting process when capturing a model’s likeness.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Image credit: Linda Kalianteris

Note: No class on Friday, March 20 due to March Break Camps, and Friday, April 3 due to Good Friday.

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

Note: No class on Friday, March 20 due to March Break Camps, and Friday, April 3 due to Good Friday.

Have you always wanted to paint with oils? Learn the technique of oil painting, and the art of still life painting while exploring topics such as: studio safety and clean up, composition, colour mixing and energetic brush strokes! This program is perfect for beginner and experienced artists who would like to add oil painting to their skill set.

Artist/Instructor: Linda Kalianteris

Discover the art of transforming simple materials into beautiful, handmade paper. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of traditional papermaking, from pulping and forming sheets to pressing, drying, and finishing. Each week introduces new techniques, including adding texture, colour, and inclusions such as dried flowers or threads. By the end of the program, students will create a collection of unique papers that can be used for drawing, printmaking, book arts, or personal projects. No experience required. Some materials provided.

Artist/Instructor: Sydney Hanson

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.

Painting in watercolours is both exciting and rewarding. Further your knowledge of basic techniques with colour, value, and design theories by painting flowers and still life’s from reference photos. Participants should have completed an introductory level program, or have some experience with watercolours before signing up for this intermediate level class.

Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff

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.