Why Volunteer With Us?

Discover the joy of giving back while building valuable skills in a vibrant, creative environment. As a volunteer at the Varley Art Gallery, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:

  • Leadership and teamwork through event coordination and program support
  • Customer service and communication by engaging with visitors and assisting with programs
  • Art appreciation and education by supporting exhibitions and learning about Canadian art
  • Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic roles like Event Assistant, Program Assistant, or Gallery Attendant (program leader)

Whether you’re helping at special events, welcoming visitors, or assisting with children’s programs, volunteering at the Varley Art Gallery is a rewarding way to grow personally and professionally.

Join our volunteer team! Our volunteers assist with special events, Varley Art Gallery art classes and seasonal camps, and as exhibition attendants. Become a volunteer today! 

For more information, please visit: Volunteers at Varley Art Gallery

A volunteer assists a child with their art activity
A volunteer demonstrates how to draw an object to a young student.
A volunteer reads an illustrated story to a group of three young students.
Gallery Attendant volunteer wearing an Ask Me badge. Visitors appear in the background.
A docent volunteer leads a tour to seniors

What Our Volunteers Say

“During the March Break camp, I took the time to observe and learn carefully. It was such a joyful and fun volunteer experience…” – Avvy

“…I applied to volunteer with the Varley as I was looking for a way of contributing to the community in my spare time. I love working with people, especially children, and although I do not have a background in art, I really enjoy being exposed to and learning about art. Volunteering at the Varley proved to be a great decision! I have had a great experience as a docent. I have learned so much from the excellent training provided at the Varley and have loved the opportunity to interact with the exceptional staff, as well as other volunteers. Giving tours of the exhibitions to groups of school age children as well as adults has been an enriching experience.” – Christine

“WHY Volunteer? My immediate answer would be why not? Having a strong desire to give back–to pay it forward–to make a different–to help others, are just a few of my reasons for volunteering. The Varley has done an outstanding job of developing a creative and inclusive culture where you can become connected to something greater than yourself, build meaningful relationships, expand your sense of community, extend your personal knowledge, hone new skills, discover innovative ways of thinking, perceiving and viewing art, cultivate an appreciation for the arts, all while meeting people from different walks of life. Simply put, it is a GREAT PLACE TO VOLUNTEER.” – Barb