2017 | Fall Issue
Gallery Information
Free admission to Gallery Spaces Hours Monday (Jul. 1 – Sep. 4) | 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 5–22 for the installation of our fall exhibitions.
Contact Information varley@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3261 VarleyGallery varleygallery.ca Photo above: Tony Chao Shoots, Photo opposite: JiaJia Kong Photography Cover image: Xiaojing Yan, Lingzhi Girl (detail), 2017, Lingzhi mushroom, 63.5 x 45.7 x 40.6 cm. Collection of Artist.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Director’s Letter In fall 2017 we continue to commemorate the Varley Art Gallery’s twentieth anniversary. Founded in 1997 to share and celebrate the life and work of F.H. Varley and other Canadian artists, the gallery has evolved over time as Markham itself has grown. The Varley is now a dynamic hub in one of the most thriving cities in Canada. Thanks to the enduring support of IBM we are admission free, making us universally accessible. Through exhibitions, public and educational programs, art camps and classes, we bring the many diverse communities of Markham together to engage with art and to participate in conversations about social and cultural issues. In this way we play a crucial role in community building. In October the gallery returns to its roots, producing a catalogue highlighting works by F.H. Varley in our permanent collections. This publication will launch at the culminating event of our year-long celebrations, a fabulous fundraising evening organized by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham. With Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Chris Bratty as Honorary Patrons and entertainment provided by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame, Rouge: Varley Gala will be a truly glittering evening. Scheduled for Thursday, October 12 at the Crystal Fountain Event Venue, tickets are available at rougevarleygala. eventbrite.ca. Don’t miss this memorable experience!
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), Amin Giga (Secretary), Sid Karsh (Treasurer), Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong, Howard Back, John Ingram, Sammy Lee, Phoebe Lo, Craig McOuat, Santo Natale, Beverly Schaeffer, Edie Yeomans
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Exhibitions
Xiaojing Yan Out from among the tranquil woods September 23, 2017 – January 7, 2018 Markham-based Xiaojing Yan is known for her intricate sculptural installations that explore the intersections of the natural and cultural worlds. Her work is at once simple and complex; concrete and abstract; personal and universal. The material qualities of her work, significant on both aesthetic and conceptual levels, are at the core of her practice. She transforms lingzhi mushrooms, star anise, freshwater pearls and cicadae, among others, to explore traditional Chinese mythology and folklore. Ultimately, Yan revisits her own identity as a first generation Canadian, while offering contemporary perspectives on issues of mortality, belonging and contemplation. See page 8 and 9 for exhibition-related programming. Above: Xiaojing Yan, Cloud Cell (detail), 2014, fresh water pearls, monofilament, aluminum, 96 in x 45 in x 45 in. Collection of Artist.
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Present | Perfect | Continuous September 23, 2017 – January 7, 2018 To celebrate our twentieth anniversary, we present a year-long rotation of the most cherished Varleys in our collection. These artworks highlight various aspects of the artist’s career, including his skill as a portrait painter, his travels across the Canadian landscape, and his connection to Unionville.This exhibition will also 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. 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. As we look forward to the next twenty years, we will explore our historical collection through contemporary frameworks; bringing fresh eyes and new understandings to its study and presentation. Included in the Collections Gallery this fall is a site-specific installation by Richmond Hill artist Zev Farber titled Machine Fantasies/Human Events. This sound based intervention, which will also include works on paper and sculptural elements, will examine the intersection between our contemporary technological era, tenuous memories and evocative objects. The emphasis of the project will be on the nature of emission/ transmission/reception as a framework for collapsing varied moments and narratives from the last half-century. Below: Zev Farber, Schematic of a Proposed Device for Interstitial Transmissions (for E. Cohn) (detail), 2017.
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Art Programs
Photo: Louis Li Photography
NEW! Advanced Acrylics Studio Fridays | Oct. 6 – Nov. 24 | 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. | $205 | 308541 This course is a continuation of the acrylic and oil painting courses offered at the Varley. Students will build on earlier course material to further develop their representational and abstract paintings.
Life Drawing Drop-in Thursdays | Oct. 19 – Nov. 23 | 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. | 18+ | Starts at $15/session Join us for Life Drawing sessions in our studio! These sessions offer the opportunity for artists to practice nude drawing and build a social and artistic network by meeting and working amongst their peers. Visit our website for the year-round schedule and details.
Fall Programs and Winter Break Camps The Varley is pleased to introduce new fall programs for children, teens, and adults as well as winter break camps for children. Registration starts August 15.
Check these out! Winter Break Kinder Camps (4–6 yrs) Dec. 27 – Jan. 5 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $56/day Winter Break Junior Camps (7–12 yrs) Dec. 27 – Jan. 5 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $56/day After School Studio (8–12 yrs) Sep. 21 – May 10 | 4 – 6:30 p.m. | 307989 | $416
Did you know? Members get 10% off programs and camps. See Memberships on page 14 for details. Discover more varley@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3261
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
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
Education Fall Education Programs
Congratulations, Claire!
Start off the school year by exploring mythology, nature, and sound through immersive visual and auditory art experiences. Inspired by the Fall exhibitions, our education programs will engage students with original works of art through guided tours and hands-on studio workshops. All programs offer direct links to the Ontario Curriculum.
The 2017 Wallace Joyce Scholarship Recipient is Claire Heidinger of Unionville High School’s Unionville Arts Program. Claire has demonstrated dedication and excellence in her pursuit of visual art, and been a strong leader and advocate of the arts during her time in high school.
Curriculum Links
The $1,000 Wallace Joyce Scholarship is awarded to a York Region student pursuing art studies at a post-secondary level. Wallace Joyce was a champion of the arts and supported many organizations, including the Varley Art Gallery. The VarleyMcKay Art Foundation celebrates Wallace Joyce’s contributions through this award.
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Visual Art
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Language Arts
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Science & Technology
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Social Studies
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Inuit Studies
About the Scholarship
Book your school trip today!
PA Day Extravaganzas Spend your PA Day at the Varley! Through interactive tours and art activities, students are inspired by artists currently on view in our Galleries. Before Care (8 – 9 a.m.) and After Care (4 – 6 p.m.) included.
Registration starts August 15! Sep. 25 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 307283 | $56 Oct. 20 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 307284 | $56 Nov. 24 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 308693 | $56 Photo: Louis Li Photography
Learn more Francesca Pang fpang@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3274
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Events
Public Events
Culture Days Markham
Gallery Gab: Xiaojing Yan Sep. 24 | 1 – 2 p.m. | Free
PechaKucha Night Markham: Vol. 16 Sep. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Pay What You Want Markham Village Library
Join us for an artist talk with Xiaojing Yan to hear more about the works featured in Out from among the tranquil woods. Tickets are available at varleyfallopening. eventbrite.ca.
Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception Sep. 24 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Free Join us for opening remarks and refreshments. Tickets are available at varleyfallopening.eventbrite.ca.
Connect with Markham’s creative communities! Presenters share their ideas in 20 slides x 20 seconds each. Tickets are available starting September 1 at pkmarkham.eventbrite.com.
Doors Open Markham Sep. 30 | Free
Opening reception sponsored by Oak Ridges Retirement Community.
Exhibition tours and Visit of the Vault tours with our education and curatorial team. Get behind-the-scenes information and access to our collections.
Art Social Oct. 27 | 7–10 p.m. | $5 at the Door
Visit of the Vault Tours 1p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Ready for a spooky night out? Come celebrate Halloween at the Gallery with music, interactive art experiences, and mingling. Tickets are available at varleyartsocial.eventbrite.ca.
Exhibition Tours 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Visit varleygallery.ca for more information.
Left photo: JiaJia Kong Photography, Middle photo: Louis Li Photography
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Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Festivals Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival Aug. 27 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free Markham Civic Centre
Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham Event
Family-friendly art activities inspired by our upcoming Fall Exhibitions.
Labour Day Sep. 4 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Last day to see our Summer Exhibitions! Join us in the Gallery courtyard for familyfriendly art activities.
Varley Member Exclusives Lunch & Learn Oct. 18 | 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 $2,000 Corporate Table Crystal Fountain Event Venue
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham at a gala featuring a cocktail reception, threecourse meal, special live performance by Jim Cuddy, live and silent auctions, raffles, and more! Tickets are available at rougevarleygala.eventbrite.ca. For sponsorship opportunities, contact: Francesca Dauphinais fdauphinais@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3264 Event info varley@markham.ca varleygallery.ca
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Venue Rentals
Photo: Louis Li Photography
Varley Art Gallery of Markham Rates in effect starting September 1, 2017. See varleygallery.ca for details.
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
$317
$222
Up to six hours during the day
$633
$443
Hourly rate after closing
$174
$122
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
$62
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 Rates in effect starting September 1, 2017. See varleygallery.ca for details.
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 it 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 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.
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
Photo: JiaJia Kong Photography
Sponsorship Opportunities
Photo: JiaJia Kong Photography
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. Support the community Niamh O’Laoghaire, Director nolaoghaire@markham.ca 905.477.7000 x3273
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Membership Membership Levels | Visit varleygallery.ca for more information.
Prices in effect starting September 1, 2017. Prices do not include tax.
Artist $39 Student $29 (Valid full-time student ID required)
Individual Family
(2 adults & up to 4 children)
$48 $72
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
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. Varley, Mist and Mountains, Lynn Valley (detail), c.1935, oil on canvas, 39.7 x 50.6 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Gift of Peter Garstang, 1999.1.1
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 $54.24 Family $81.36 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. Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception Sponsor
Memberships Supporter
216 Main Street Unionville Markham ON, L3R 2H1 905.477.7000 x3261 varley@markham.ca VarleyGallery varleygallery.ca