The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham supports the Varley Art Gallery as a vital cultural hub in the GTA. Our mandate is to support the Varley Art Gallery’s strong visual arts program through our activities and investments. We provide funding to assist with art acquisitions, the conservation of the Gallery’s art collection, educational programming and exhibition research. We also administer the volunteer program on behalf of the Varley Art Gallery, which provides additional support for their programs and events.
The Varley Art Gallery’s founding art collection began with Kathleen McKay’s donation of 67 works, including many of F.H. Varley’s works. Beyond the 67 original works, we have supported the acquisition of contemporary works, and the Gallery’s holding currently stands at 1,500 works of art.
With a vast collection of artworks, we provide the financial support to assist the Varley Art Gallery in the preservation, conservation and proper storage of their collection for future generations to study and enjoy.
We work with the Varley Art Gallery to make art more accessible to school groups and the general public. Our docent program supports the Gallery’s education team, providing tours to education groups. We also provide the financial means to sustain the Gallery’s Lunch and Learn program.
Through our support, Varley Art Gallery of Markham employees are able to participate in seminars, conferences, and other learning opportunities to engage and exchange with other institutions.
We are very proud to present the 2022 Wallace Joyce Scholarship to recipient Annie Feng. Since 2008, 12 scholarships have been awarded to students in York Region.
Our Gallery Animateurs engaged with 3,861 Varley Art Gallery exhibition visitors, giving free guided tours to 366 people. 466 visitors played the virtual scavenger hunt designed by our Gallery Animateurs.
So far this year, 81 volunteers have dedicated 2971 hours to supporting programs and events at the Varley Art Gallery.
We had the pleasure of hosting the first ever Art of Plenty: Art Show and Sale, which featured the work of 16 artists from across York Region.
The Foundation has provided financial support to the the Varley Art Gallery’s Virtual Education programming, enabling over 29,000 people to attend free virtual art education programs.
Please feel free to contact us by sending an email directly to fdauphinais@markham.ca.
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