Art Acquisitions

With support from the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, the Varley Art Gallery continues to grow its permanent collection—preserving cultural heritage and showcasing the creativity that shapes our community. Since 1998, the Foundation has purchased 64 works of art for the collection, many of which inspire exhibitions, public programs, and hands-on learning opportunities. Each acquisition strengthens the Gallery’s ability to share diverse stories, spark dialogue, and connect people of all ages with the transformative power of art.

Selection of Works Acquired by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham

Frederick Horsman Varley, Portrait of Alice Massey, c. 1924–25. Oil on canvas, 61.5 x 41.0 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2003.3.1
Frederick Horsman Varley, Jess, c. 1949. Coloured chalks and graphite on paper, 30.0 cm x 25.3 cm. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 1998.3.1
Arthur Lismer, Rock and Pine Vancouver, 1960. Ink on paper, 33.0 cm x 25.4 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2001.4.1.
Dorothy Stevens, Conversation Piece of Rody Kenny Courtice, 1934. Oil on canvas, 109.2 x 86.5 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2001.1.1
Frederick Horsman Varley, The Hillside, c. 1912. Watercolour with traces of charcoal on paper, 45.9 x 35.0 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2003.1.1

Image credits (Left to Right):

  1. F. H. Varley, Portrait of Alice Massey, c. 1924–25, oil on canvas, 61.5 cm x 41 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2003.3.1
  2. F. H. Varley, Jess, c. 1949, coloured chalks and graphite on paper, 30 cm x 25.3 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham,1998.3.1
  3. Arthur Lismer, Rock and Pine, Vancouver, 1960. Oil on canvas, 207.0 cm x 145.0 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2001.4.1.
  4. Dorothy Stevens, Conversation Piece of Rody Kenny Courtice, 1934. Oil on canvas, 109.2 x 86.5 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2001.1.1
  5. F. H. Varley, The Hillside, c. 1912, watercolour with traces of charcoal on paper, 45.9 cm x 35 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2003.1.1