2017 | Summer Issue
Gallery Information
Free admission to Gallery Spaces Hours Monday (Jul. 1 – Aug. 31) | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gallery spaces will be closed between September 5 – 23 for the installation of our fall exhibitions.
Contact Information varley@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3261 VarleyGallery varleygallery.ca Photography credit: Louis Li Photography Cover image: Jihee Min, Umma (Mother) (detail), 2017, screen print on fabric, music box parts, wood and beads, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Director’s Letter Summer 2017 sees an historic milestone for the Varley Art Gallery. It was twenty years ago on May 31, 1997, that the Gallery first opened its doors. The Varley owes its existence to the generosity and foresight of Kathleen Gormley McKay. Her 1996 donation of some 100 works of art by F.H. Varley and other artists constitutes the founding gift of our collection which has grown substantially over the years. Now at our 20th anniversary I am delighted to announce another very important gift by Mr. Jack MacQuarrie. At a recent ceremony Mayor Frank Scarpitti unveiled Mr. MacQuarrie’s very generous donation of 22 works by members of the Group of Seven. Among them are two Franklin Carmichaels and one Lawren Harris – the first representation of these two significant figures in our holdings. We are very proud that Mr. MacQuarrie chose the Varley Art Gallery to be the recipient of this major gift, thus demonstrating the community’s continued support of the Gallery. We continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary throughout the year in everything we do, especially through our exhibitions. This summer Present l Perfect I Continuous presents favourite works from our collections. For Jon Sasaki: Things Saved For A Rainy Day the artist has humorously repurposed archival objects associated with Varley. Finally, our multi-artist show Mother Tongue explores issues of language and identity very relevant to the diverse communities of Markham and beyond. Join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary!
Niamh O’Laoghaire, Director
Gallery Staff Niamh O’Laoghaire, Director Anik Glaude, Curator Rachel Brodie, Collections Charlene Lo, Marketing Francesca Pang, Education Cheryl Rego, Programs Doriana Cabeceiras, Administration Francesca Dauphinais, Development
Board of Directors of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Terrence Pochmurski (Chair), Susan Gray (Secretary), Sid Karsh (Treasurer), Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong, Howard Back, Amin Giga, John Ingram, Sammy Lee, Phoebe Lo, Craig McOuat, Santo Natale, Beverly Schaeffer, Edie Yeomans
2017 | Spring Issue
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Exhibitions
Mother Tongue May 13 – September 4, 2017 Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Raafia Jessa, Jihee Min, Yvonne Singer, Shellie Zhang, Alize Zorlutuna Language is a universal and abstract system of sounds and symbols. Yet, the social, political and cultural contexts in which a language is spoken greatly affects its development and usages. In ever increasingly globalized societies, our sociolinguistic identity is not often singular. The language we speak at home, or learned as a child — our mother tongue — may not be the same one used in our everyday lives. Mother Tongue invites us to consider the complex relationships that exist between language and identity; how it defines who we are and how it can inform visual artistic practice. See page 8 and 9 for exhibition-related programming. Above: Yvonne Singer, the naming project (detail), 2016, digital print on Awagami Kozo paper, 111.76 x 304.8 cm. Courtesy of the artist.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Jon Sasaki: Things Saved For A Rainy Day May 13 – September 4, 2017 As part of Present | Perfect | Continuous, a year-long exhibition celebrating the Varley Art Gallery’s 20th anniversary, Jon Sasaki was invited to create new work in response to our archival holdings. An unused panel from Varley’s studio left in stormy weather is a meditation on the depictions of atmospheric elements in Varley’s paintings and on the physical environment in which they are stored and displayed. Varley’s junk drawer of 1969 made useful in the present is an attempt to imbue a collection of random ‘bits and pieces’ with a new purpose.
Present | Perfect | Continuous On view until January 2018 Grammatically, the present perfect continuous tense is used with actions that began in the past but that are still continuing in the present. Symbolically, this tense implies the passing of time, something that is not fixed but always evolving. This year-long rotation of our most popular works by F.H. Varley will be on view in the Collections Gallery. It will highlight 20 years of acquisitions, acknowledge the important role of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham in the development of the collection, and the many donors who have contributed to its growth. Below: Jon Sasaki, Varley’s junk drawer of 1969 made useful in the present (adapter for a foreign plug) (detail), 2017. Photo documentation of an intervention. Courtesy of the artist and Clint Roenisch Gallery.
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Art Camps Summer Fun at the Varley! This summer, children will have the opportunity to engage with Canadian art through art camps inspired by our current exhibitions. Over the course of the nine-week summer camp season, we look forward to welcoming over 1,100 children in over 50 different camps to learn and explore through art.
Camp Age Groups The Varley offers campers the opportunity to develop art-making skills, build confidence and explore a variety of media, themes and concepts. Camp is a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports developmentally appropriate approaches that are both fun and educational.
Kinder | Ages 4–5
Junior Artists | Ages 7–10
Play-based & Tactile
Skill-building & Collaborative
Young Artists | Ages 5–6
Intermediate Artists | Ages 9–13
Interactive & Imagination-based
Skill development & Concept-based
Canada 150 Camps
Did you know?
O Canada (Kinder)
Members get 10% off programs and camps (up to $220 in savings this summer!)
August 14 –18 | 1 – 4 p.m. | $106 I Love Canadian Art (Young Artists) July 31 – August 4 | 1 – 4 p.m. | $106 Made in Canada (Junior Artists) August 8 – 11 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $198 Visit varleygallery.ca for a full list of our summer art camps. Three ways to register 1. Visit econnect.markham.ca 2. Call 905.475.4867 for FAST TRACK 3. Fill out a registration form at any major community centre and fax to 905.479.7767 Discover more varley@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3261
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
See Memberships on page 14 for details.
Education
Summer Outreach Programs
Gallery Tours
We’ll bring the learning to you! In July and August, book our Education team to visit your school or camp to engage students of all ages through interactive art history and hands-on studio workshops.
One-hour Group Tour | $5/person
Creative Classroom 1.5 hours | $11/student A half-hour interactive art history lesson and 1 hour hands-on studio session. Choose from drawing, painting, or printmaking themed programs.
Inuit Art in the Classroom 1.5 hours | $11/student The Varley’s Inuit art collection is mobile! We will bring our Inuit sculptures to your classroom along with a docent, art instructor and materials.
Book your outreach program today!
Inspired by our permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, interactive gallery tours bring works of art to life while teaching adults the basic skills of reading art.
NEW! Varley Education eNewsletter for Teachers Receive early updates about the Varley’s upcoming seasonal school programs and valuable PD opportunities through our newest resource for educators. They might even include a fun art lesson to use in your classroom… Visit the Education section on varleygallery.ca to subscribe! Learn more Francesca Pang fpang@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3274
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Events
Public Events Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception May 13 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Free
Join us to celebrate the opening of our summer exhibitions with a performance from Chun Hua Catherine Dong starting at 4 p.m., followed by the opening remarks and refreshments at 6 p.m. Opening reception sponsored by Oak Ridges Retirement Community.
Art Social May 26 | 7 – 10 p.m. | $5 at the Door
Come out and celebrate #varley20 with music, interactive art experiences, and mingling. Tickets are available at varleyartsocial.eventbrite.ca.
Unionville Festival Activities Jun. 3 – 4 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Enjoy free family-friendly activities all weekend! On Saturday, jump into a day of arts programming hosted in partnership with the Bowling League Arts Collective.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
PechaKucha Night Markham: Vol. 15 Jun. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Pay What You Want
Connect with Markham’s creative communities! Presenters share their ideas in 20 slides x 20 seconds each. Tickets are available starting May 1 at pkmarkham.eventbrite.com.
Canada 150 Celebrations
Jul. 1 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Free Join us for the launch of the Canada 150 Artists’ Stamp Collection, a collaborative art piece by artist/educator Judith Livingston and 27 Varley Art Gallery students. The 150 stamps created pay homage to 150 individual Canadian artists. Jul. 1 | 1 – 4 p.m. | Free Performance by Jon Sasaki. Jul. 2 – 3 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Create your own stamp to celebrate Canada 150 with the artists who participated in the Canada 150 Artists’ Stamp Collection. Visit varleygallery.ca for more information.
Workshops
Registration Required
Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Events
The Art of Pencil Pushing Jul. 9 – 16 | 1 – 4 p.m. | $55 | 303874
Vintages at the Varley Jun. 14 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | $75/ticket
Rediscover the joy of drawing and shading with graphite and delight in the glowing colours created by layering coloured pencils.
Enjoy an evening of fine wines, culinary delights, and a live jazz performance. Tickets are available at vintagesatthevarley.eventbrite.ca.
Playing with Acrylics Aug. 13 – 20 | 1 – 4 p.m. | $55 | 303883
Experience the amazing potential of acrylic paint! Create representational or abstract works using a variety of different techniques.
Varley Member Exclusives Lunch & Learn May 24 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Bring your lunch to informal discussions led by our staff and art specialists. By special arrangement, Markham Group of Artists Members are invited to attend.
Rouge: Varley Gala Oct. 12 | 6:00 p.m. | $150/ticket Crystal Fountain Event Venue
Join us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Tickets are available at rougevarleygala. eventbrite.ca. For sponsorship opportunities, contact: Francesca Dauphinais fdauphinais@markham.ca
Event info varley@markham.ca varleygallery.ca
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Venue Rentals
Varley Art Gallery of Markham Florence and Donald Deacon Room | Capacity: 146 persons (standing) This 1,000-square-foot rental space offers cathedral ceilings and large windows that look onto historic Main Street Unionville. Private Rate
Community Rate*
Up to three hours during the day
$311
$218
Up to six hours during the day
$622
$435
Hourly rate after closing
$171
$120
Rental rates are based on regular hours of operation.
Lobby | Capacity: 150 persons (standing) & 100 persons (seated) Perfect for piano recitals and corporate events, our lobby provides a versatile space with bright lighting and an elevated platform for use as a stage. After hours only. Booking with Deacon Room
$102 flat rate
Booking without Deacon Room
$102/hour
Additional Fees Set-up/Clean-up
$61
After hours staff
$61/hour*
SOCAN Music & Liability Insurance
Varies
Piano
$82
Wedding Rehearsal
$82 (up to 2 hours)
*Community service groups, non-profit agencies and organizations receive a 30% discount. Prices do not include tax.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
McKay Art Centre NEW! Upstairs Studio Space | Rent all year round! From January to December, artists can rent the upstairs studio with an ensuite washroom! Studio rentals are offered for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of three months. Artists can store their work and materials in the studios while renting. The upstairs studio accommodates up to two working artists, making them extremely affordable for artists who choose to share the rental cost. Rate per 2-week rental Upstairs Studio (14 x 13 ft, plus ensuite washroom)
$300
*Prices do not include tax.
Art Shows & Sales Once the home of F.H. Varley, this historic site features art exhibitions by local artists. Between April – June and September – December, the McKay Art Centre will showcase the artwork of various community artists. For a list of the art exhibitions and sales, visit our website and check out the ‘Exhibitions’ section. For Information Doriana Cabeceiras dcabeceiras@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3263
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Volunteer Join Our Team Our volunteers are an important part of the Gallery and are involved in all that we do! Create your profile at markham.ca/volunteering. Volunteers ages 14+ are welcome.
Gallery Attendants By welcoming visitors upon entry to the exhibitions and providing basic information about the art on view, gallery attendants enhance the public’s experience. Attendants also supervise the spaces during operating hours to ensure the safety of the artworks.
Summer Camp Program Assistants Work under the direction of our instructors to support art class participants and help create an exceptional learning experience. Great opportunity for students looking to complete their community service hours in a fun and creative environment!
French Speaking Program Assistants & Docents Students learn the importance of art and language through French education programs at the Varley. We are always looking for volunteers who are able to speak French fluently to enrich our art programs and gallery tours. Apply today Francesca Dauphinais fdauphinais@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3264
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help Us Grow Markham’s Creative Community Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 for a single event to $20,000 for major projects and exhibitions. They can be tailored to meet your organization’s needs. Join a select group of sponsors who enable exhibitions and arts programming for the whole community to enjoy.
Presenting $20,000
Exhibition $10,000
Media $5,000
Events $1,000 to $5,000
We have established successful partnerships with businesses, corporations, foundations and individuals. Contact the Varley to discuss your sponsorship interests.
THIS YEAR ONLY! During this 20th anniversary year, the Varley is offering an outstanding opportunity for media sponsors to support our Fall exhibitions. Support the community Niamh O’Laoghaire, Director nolaoghaire@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3273
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Membership Membership Levels | More info on varleygallery.ca.
Prices do not include tax.
Artist $39 Student $29 (Valid full-time student ID required)
Individual Family
$47 $71
(2 adults & up to 4 children)
Membership Benefits
Student
Individual
Artist
Family
15% discount on most items and Members’ Double Discount Holiday Weekend in our Gift Shop
Discounts on art programming
Invitations to exhibition openings & special events
Reciprocal admission to 70+ galleries as part of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries
10% off at all Curry’s Artists’ Materials Store Locations
Non-residents receive same program registration date as residents
2 passes to Open Studio
10% discount on select programs at Flato Markham Theatre and Markham Museum
Free admission to Markham Museum and select events
Join today Doriana Cabeceiras 905.477.7000 x3263
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
F. H. [Franz] Johnston, Wind in the Pines (detail), 1927, tempera on paper, 101.1 x 75.4 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Gift of John J. [Jack] MacQuarrie, 2017.16.
Membership Form Thank you for becoming a member of the Varley Art Gallery! Your membership card will be mailed to you within 2 – 4 weeks. Please make cheques payable to the “City of Markham.” Artist $44.07 Individual $53.11 Family $80.23 Student $32.77 I would also like to make a donation to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham $ Total amount enclosed $ Name Address City Postal Code Phone Email
Yes! I would like to subscribe and give consent to receive information from the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. I may unsubscribe at any time.
Please attach this form to your payment and submit to the Varley in person or by mail.
Contact information: Doriana Cabeceiras dcabeceiras@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3263
Mail to: Varley Art Gallery of Markham 216 Main Street Unionville Markham, ON L3R 2H1
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors and funders. Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception Sponsor
Memberships Supporter
216 Main Street Unionville Markham ON, L3R 2H1 905.477.7000 x3261 varley@markham.ca VarleyGallery varleygallery.ca