Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Homes for the Holidays 2009
This year's event features eight beautiful homes in Markham and Unionville! The event is made possible thanks to the generous homeowners who open their homes, allowing a wonderful group of local florists, interior designers, exterior decorators and lighting specialists to showcase their talents.Funds raised go to the Breast Health Centre at Markham Stouffville Hospital and to the Varle-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, which supports the Varley Art Gallery.
Our goal this year is to raise over $100,000. Please support us in our efforts and join us on this year's tour of homes!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sue Firkser's Nicaragua Travels - Update 2
Well Nicaragua continues to have surprises! This week at school we had to deal with no electricity at the one school, in a rainstorm, it was very dark and the kids were trying to mix colours to make a colour wheel. The next day there was no water for our paints but one of the kids walked home to get some. Chickens stroll in and out the classrooms and as bad as my spanish is, I had to compete with a donkey braying outside the window!! But the kids are delightful and happy to see me now that they know me.
I taught a kindergarten class of about 8 kids, we had so much fun just painting with tempera paint, it was terrific, they all produced about 3 paintings each. Yesterday a few of the older children had their grad photos done, all dressed up in robes and hats and holding certificates.
I met with the director of the small gallery they have here. They offer classes and I was told that they were extemely well attended, it is run by a foundation and the building was donated by some wealthy Americans. It promotes local artisans and supports education initiatives. Yes!!
Something I do notice here is that there is no help for kids who need extra support, the teacher is usually teaching a mixed grade anywhere from 7 year olds to 14 years old. The poor kids with learning issues don't stand a chance. We are very fortunate in Canada in that regard. They could do with you down here, Jani Jang! Next week in school we are going to make masks and do some print making. All being well!!
Besides all the school stuff we have been having a ball. We went on a sunset, magnifico, fishing trip in which we saw a pair of turtles mating, dolphins and a small manta jumped out of the water and oh yes we caught our dinner, a Mackeral! We have met lots of interesting people and went on horseback to the most beautiful beach, pristine and remote. We are still looking for the elusive 3 toed sloth, but have seen lots of monkeys , wild parrots and an armadillo. Wow!
- Sue Firkser
I taught a kindergarten class of about 8 kids, we had so much fun just painting with tempera paint, it was terrific, they all produced about 3 paintings each. Yesterday a few of the older children had their grad photos done, all dressed up in robes and hats and holding certificates.
I met with the director of the small gallery they have here. They offer classes and I was told that they were extemely well attended, it is run by a foundation and the building was donated by some wealthy Americans. It promotes local artisans and supports education initiatives. Yes!!
Something I do notice here is that there is no help for kids who need extra support, the teacher is usually teaching a mixed grade anywhere from 7 year olds to 14 years old. The poor kids with learning issues don't stand a chance. We are very fortunate in Canada in that regard. They could do with you down here, Jani Jang! Next week in school we are going to make masks and do some print making. All being well!!
Besides all the school stuff we have been having a ball. We went on a sunset, magnifico, fishing trip in which we saw a pair of turtles mating, dolphins and a small manta jumped out of the water and oh yes we caught our dinner, a Mackeral! We have met lots of interesting people and went on horseback to the most beautiful beach, pristine and remote. We are still looking for the elusive 3 toed sloth, but have seen lots of monkeys , wild parrots and an armadillo. Wow!
- Sue Firkser
Sue Firker's Nicaragua Travels - Update 1
Everything got here ok, thank goodness. I was worried. Managua is a crazy city, we got out of there as fast as we could. The traffic cops are corrupt and kept stopping us as they could see we were in a rental and the only way to get rid of them was to pay dineros!!! There are no street names so it took us a day and a half to find the Casa Canadiense we wanted to visit. They also have special rules for round abouts, but who knows what they are!!!
Yesterday and today I have been to 2 schools, one with 90 students and one with 40 students, all mixed ages. The one class we had outside with a portable white board they hang outside I taught the older kids portraiture and the younger kids stillife drawing. Today we did lines and they painted with all different things from feathers to pom poms. And then we did some landscape painting. They think I am crazy. All the supplies have been very well received and welcomed.
The basic level of education is not at all bad but sporadic. If the teacher is sick then school is cancelled. Yesterday school closed early as the fumigators came and all the kids had to go home. I did not ask what they were fumigating against. I have had an interpreter come with me each day as I am finding the spanish very difficult. But I am improving, by my return I should be able to give a solid art class in spanish!!! I am working in 3 schools outside old San Juan del Sur, about a thirty minute drive on incredibly bad roads, I am not sure that the rental car will still be in one piece by the time we return it!!!!
The rest of the time we have been swimming at different beaches and eating. We went fishing and caught a Mackarel which we later bbqed! Very delisiousa! I will send some photos for the blog (Nicaartnews) very soon , the kids are adorable and very polite. Good times!
Love to all and I wish you could all be here experiencing this wonderful place. Mucho love and hugs,
Sue
Yesterday and today I have been to 2 schools, one with 90 students and one with 40 students, all mixed ages. The one class we had outside with a portable white board they hang outside I taught the older kids portraiture and the younger kids stillife drawing. Today we did lines and they painted with all different things from feathers to pom poms. And then we did some landscape painting. They think I am crazy. All the supplies have been very well received and welcomed.
The basic level of education is not at all bad but sporadic. If the teacher is sick then school is cancelled. Yesterday school closed early as the fumigators came and all the kids had to go home. I did not ask what they were fumigating against. I have had an interpreter come with me each day as I am finding the spanish very difficult. But I am improving, by my return I should be able to give a solid art class in spanish!!! I am working in 3 schools outside old San Juan del Sur, about a thirty minute drive on incredibly bad roads, I am not sure that the rental car will still be in one piece by the time we return it!!!!
The rest of the time we have been swimming at different beaches and eating. We went fishing and caught a Mackarel which we later bbqed! Very delisiousa! I will send some photos for the blog (Nicaartnews) very soon , the kids are adorable and very polite. Good times!
Love to all and I wish you could all be here experiencing this wonderful place. Mucho love and hugs,
Sue
Monday, August 17, 2009
Book the Varley for your Special Event!
Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers
Corporate Meetings, Seminars, Events
The 1,000 square foot Deacon Room has cathedral ceilings and large windows that look out to historic Main Street Unionville.
The Deacon Room is highly versatile and can also be easily set up for corporate meetings or functions. Should you wish to impress your guests even further, include a guided tour of the galleries for functions such as client appreciation receptions or a private party.
For smaller meetings with an emphasis on privacy, the study centre can be rented and holds up to 10 people.
Rental Information:
Rental of the Deacon Room, study centre and galleries at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham may be booked by calling 905-477-9511 905-477-9511 ext. 223.
Rental rates are based on the total number of hours required for the event including set up and clean up time.
To reserve a space at the gallery, renters must complete a signed contract and deposit of 50% of the rental fee. The space will not be reserved until the deposit has been paid. The balance of the payment is due on the first business day of the month of the function.
The Town of Markham requires that all persons or companies renting Town facilities must have insurance coverage of two million dollars general public liability naming the Corporation of the Town of Markham as additional insured and including full participant coverage.
Varley Art Gallery of Markham Rental Agreement and Rental Contract
Rental Rates Community Rates apply to established community service groups (i.e. Lions Club), and non-profit agencies and organizations.Private Rates apply to businesses, corporations, and other for-profit groups, and to individuals or groups booking private functions.
Area of gallery:
Florence and Donald Deacon RoomIncludes: 14 Gallery 5-foot tables, 75 folding chairs, microphone, speaker, podium, screen, complimentary 1-hour self-guided tour of Gallery
Capacity: Up to 146 standing
Up to 70 seated
Set Fee Up to 3 Hours:
Capacity: Up to 146 standing
Up to 70 seated
Set Fee Up to 3 Hours:
Community: $187.00
Private: $267.00
Set Fee 3 to 6 Hours:
Private: $267.00
Set Fee 3 to 6 Hours:
Community: $374.00
Private: $534.50
After Closing Per Hour:
Private: $534.50
After Closing Per Hour:
Community: $66.00 + After Hour Staff Fee
Private: $94.50 + After Hour Staff Fee
Private: $94.50 + After Hour Staff Fee
Gallery Viewing(1 hour guided tour)
Please inquire about rates.
After Hours Staff Fee(per hour)
After closing, per hour:
Community: $36.50
Private: $52.50
Please inquire about rates.
After Hours Staff Fee(per hour)
After closing, per hour:
Community: $36.50
Private: $52.50
Setup fee
Set Up Fee Up to 3 hours: $52.50
Set Up Fee 3 - 6 hours: $52.50
After Closing per Hour: $52.50
Set Up Fee Up to 3 hours: $52.50
Set Up Fee 3 - 6 hours: $52.50
After Closing per Hour: $52.50
Rental of Courtyard(Flat Fee)
Set Up Fee to 3 Hours:
Set Up Fee to 3 Hours:
Community: $73.50
Private: $105.00
Study Centre(Maximum of 3 hours during hours of operation. Includes board table and 10 chairs)
Capacity: Up to 10
Set Up Fee to 3 Hours:
Private: $105.00
Study Centre(Maximum of 3 hours during hours of operation. Includes board table and 10 chairs)
Capacity: Up to 10
Set Up Fee to 3 Hours:
Community: $110.00
Private: $157.00
All charges are applicable to GST.
Florence and Donald Deacon Room Capacity
Capacity: Seated with tables 54
Capacity: Seated, no tables 70
Slide/overhead viewing with tables: 25
Slide/overhead viewing, no tables: 50
No fixed seating: 146
Room Availability
The staff of the Varley Art Gallery will be given first priority in booking the Community Room for Gallery programming and Gallery events. The Community Room may be rented during public hours, however availability may be limited. The public hours of The Varley Art Gallery are as follows:
Spring/Fall Hours:
Tuesday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday:
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
During the summer months (July and August), the Gallery is open 7 days a week. During the winter season (November to March) the Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday with an early closing of 4 p.m.
Private: $157.00
All charges are applicable to GST.
Florence and Donald Deacon Room Capacity
Capacity: Seated with tables 54
Capacity: Seated, no tables 70
Slide/overhead viewing with tables: 25
Slide/overhead viewing, no tables: 50
No fixed seating: 146
Room Availability
The staff of the Varley Art Gallery will be given first priority in booking the Community Room for Gallery programming and Gallery events. The Community Room may be rented during public hours, however availability may be limited. The public hours of The Varley Art Gallery are as follows:
Spring/Fall Hours:
Tuesday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday:
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
During the summer months (July and August), the Gallery is open 7 days a week. During the winter season (November to March) the Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday with an early closing of 4 p.m.
For more rental information call Doriana Cabeceiras on 905-477-9511 ext 223
Markham Appoints New Director for Varley Art Gallery
Francine Périnet joins the Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Markham, ON – The Town of Markham has appointed Francine Périnet as the new Art Gallery Director of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham.
Ms. Francine Périnet joins the Gallery following more than 16 years as the Director of Oakville Galleries. After Ms Périnet studied History of Art at Université de Montréal, she started her career researching XVIIIth and XIXth century Canadian Art and Architecture. She went on to teach the History of Art, mainly in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa, where she later became the Department’s Director (1988 - 1992). From 1983 to 1988, she worked at The Canada Council for the Arts as Assistant Head and Program Officer in the Visual Arts Section.
She has a longstanding commitment to art publishing. She worked with Parachute magazine in 1981, was a member of the Board of Directors of Fuse magazine 1995-2002 and has been a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-President of C magazine since 2003.
Ms. Périnet has always been active in the visual arts community. In 1980, she co-founded Artexte, a research and dissemination centre in contemporary art. She acted as the National Spokesperson and President of the Association of the National Not for Profit Artist-Run Centres (ANNPAC) from 1981 to1983. She served as a member of the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Committee for The Art Gallery of Ontario from 1993 to 2006 and also served on the acquisitions committees of The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and The Ottawa Art Gallery. Additionally, she served on committees for the Ontario Association of Art Galleries, the Canadian Museums Association and the Canadian Art Museum Directors Association.
Varley Foundation Board member and Markham Councillor Joe Virgilio said, “Ms. Périnet’s appointment will make a strong contribution to Council’s goal of engaging our community and building a strong cultural presence in Markham.”
Commenting on the appointment, Community and Fire Services Commissioner Brenda Librecz said she is impressed with the depth of Ms. Périnet experience. “She is recognized across Canada for her extensive knowledge of Canadian art history and the contemporary scene.”
John Ryerson, Markham’s Director of Culture, added, “Ms. Périnet will lead the Varley Gallery into its second decade with her energy and passion for art, with the support of the Gallery’s strong and committed staff and Varley-McKay Art Foundation board members. Her first endeavour will be to oversee the Gallery’s premier international exhibition at the Albright Knox Art Gallery (Buffalo) in March 2010.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Simcoe Day Celebrations!
Hi everyone!
If you're stuck in Markham on this beautiful, sunny Simcoe Day, come down to Main Street Unionville and visit us at the Varley Art Gallery! We have free children's art activities as well as entertainment in the afternoon, and best of all, free admission into Carnival: The Spirit and the Soul!
We look forward to seeing you here!
If you're stuck in Markham on this beautiful, sunny Simcoe Day, come down to Main Street Unionville and visit us at the Varley Art Gallery! We have free children's art activities as well as entertainment in the afternoon, and best of all, free admission into Carnival: The Spirit and the Soul!
We look forward to seeing you here!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941 - 1960
Guest Curator Roald Nasgaard discusses the Varley Gallery's upcoming exhibition, The Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941 - 1960.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8iI-8IqMIs
The Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941-1960 October 21, 2009 - February 28, 2010
Curated by Roald Nasgaard
This landmark exhibition of 60 works from across Canada will be one of the most extensive exhibition of this iconic group of artists. For the first time the Automatistes group of artists will then be presented at the pre-eminent gallery for post war art in America, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in March 2010. The Automatistes were the first Canadian artists to produce work that contemporary with New York and Paris. "Outside of Quebec their recognition is regrettably disproportionate to their importance to Canada and the USA and France" said John Ryerson, Gallery Director.
The Automatistes were founded by Borduas. The artist's signed a manifesto in 1948 called Refus global that was one of the pillars of the Quebec quiet revolution.
The signatories were:
Paul-Emile Borduas, Magdeleine Arbour, Marcel Barbeau, Bruno Cormier, Claude Gavreau, Muriel Guilbault, Marcelle Ferron, Fernand Leduc, Thérèse Leduc , Françoise Sullivan, Jean-Paul mousseau, Maurice Perron, Louis Renaud, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Françoise Riopelle
The Group disbanded with the death of Borduas in 1960. However, the Automatistes included poets, a playright, TV producer and sculptors whose works continues to influence the Quebec society and culture.
The legendary dancer and choreographer and artist Françoise Sullivan O.C. was recently at the Varley to discuss introducing her dance works to our audiences as one of the initiatives to draw on the breadth of cross disciplinary work generated by these artists.
An accompanying hardcover book of including 60 color plates by Automatistes historian author Ray Ellenwood and author and exhibition curator Roald Nasgaard , published by Douglas& McIntyre to be released in October. Mr Nasgaard recently authored the sold out hardcover edition "Abstract Painting in Canada" and curated the Varley's acclaimed show "The Urge To Abstraction" in 2007.
Louis Grachos said, "We are looking forward to hosting this exhibition of avant-garde art by members of the Canadian Automatists group of the 1940s and '50s. By exhibiting these works at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, our renowned collection of American abstract expressionist art will be seen in a broader international context that will complement these remarkable works by Canadian artists from the same time period."
Pre-oder your copy of The Automatiste Revolution: 1941-1960 by Roald Nasgaard and Ray Ellenwood for $60.
The exhibition and publication are supported by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation and private donors.
Roald Nasgaard, Curator
Roald Nasgaard is a professor of art history and, for the past decade, chair of the art department at Florida State University. His long and distinguished museum career includes fifteen years as chief curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario, during which he oversaw many projects, among them the seminal 1984 exhibition and book The Mystic North. His book Abstract Painting in Canada was called "beguiling," "engaging" and "brilliant" by the Globe and Mail. He lives in Tallahassee and Toronto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8iI-8IqMIs
The Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941-1960 October 21, 2009 - February 28, 2010
Curated by Roald Nasgaard
This landmark exhibition of 60 works from across Canada will be one of the most extensive exhibition of this iconic group of artists. For the first time the Automatistes group of artists will then be presented at the pre-eminent gallery for post war art in America, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in March 2010. The Automatistes were the first Canadian artists to produce work that contemporary with New York and Paris. "Outside of Quebec their recognition is regrettably disproportionate to their importance to Canada and the USA and France" said John Ryerson, Gallery Director.
The Automatistes were founded by Borduas. The artist's signed a manifesto in 1948 called Refus global that was one of the pillars of the Quebec quiet revolution.
The signatories were:
Paul-Emile Borduas, Magdeleine Arbour, Marcel Barbeau, Bruno Cormier, Claude Gavreau, Muriel Guilbault, Marcelle Ferron, Fernand Leduc, Thérèse Leduc , Françoise Sullivan, Jean-Paul mousseau, Maurice Perron, Louis Renaud, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Françoise Riopelle
The Group disbanded with the death of Borduas in 1960. However, the Automatistes included poets, a playright, TV producer and sculptors whose works continues to influence the Quebec society and culture.
The legendary dancer and choreographer and artist Françoise Sullivan O.C. was recently at the Varley to discuss introducing her dance works to our audiences as one of the initiatives to draw on the breadth of cross disciplinary work generated by these artists.
An accompanying hardcover book of including 60 color plates by Automatistes historian author Ray Ellenwood and author and exhibition curator Roald Nasgaard , published by Douglas& McIntyre to be released in October. Mr Nasgaard recently authored the sold out hardcover edition "Abstract Painting in Canada" and curated the Varley's acclaimed show "The Urge To Abstraction" in 2007.
Louis Grachos said, "We are looking forward to hosting this exhibition of avant-garde art by members of the Canadian Automatists group of the 1940s and '50s. By exhibiting these works at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, our renowned collection of American abstract expressionist art will be seen in a broader international context that will complement these remarkable works by Canadian artists from the same time period."
Pre-oder your copy of The Automatiste Revolution: 1941-1960 by Roald Nasgaard and Ray Ellenwood for $60.
The exhibition and publication are supported by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation and private donors.
Roald Nasgaard, Curator
Roald Nasgaard is a professor of art history and, for the past decade, chair of the art department at Florida State University. His long and distinguished museum career includes fifteen years as chief curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario, during which he oversaw many projects, among them the seminal 1984 exhibition and book The Mystic North. His book Abstract Painting in Canada was called "beguiling," "engaging" and "brilliant" by the Globe and Mail. He lives in Tallahassee and Toronto.
Varley Fine Art Auction 2009
Live Auction attendees
The opening of the Live AuctionL to R: Ritchies Auctioneer Stephen Ranger, Patrick Carr (Chair,
Art Auction), Howard Back (Chair, Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham)
Varley Volunteers showcasing some of the items on auction
Lots of activity at the Silent Auction tables!
A Varley Volunteer assisting with the Silent Auction
The Roving Chef's food station
The crowd arrives!
Auction-goers sampling a taste of our local culinary creations
Unionville Pizza Company's unique food display
Enjoying the Live Auction preview
The Cuban Duo "Piccolino" kept the crowds entertained with their lively music!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Varley Art Auction - Join us for an evening of fine art, lively entertainment and gourmet food!
Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2009 for The Varley Fine Art Auction Unmask Your Passion for Art at the Varley Art Gallery
216 Main Street, Unionville, ON
Preview and Silent Auction: 5:30 p.m. Live Auction: 7:30 p.m. SHARP
Tickets: $50 per person
This will be the 11th incredibly successful year for the Varley Fine Art Auction fundraising event. The highlight of the night will be the live auction, where over 100 original, Canadian artworks selected by prestigious art galleries in Toronto and the GTA will be on the block.
Support the Varley Gallery and have the opportunity to take home some wonderful pieces of original art. Proceeds from this event go to support the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, allowing us to continue presenting exhibitions and related programming of the highest quality, focusing on diversity within our community.
We are also featuring a Live preview of the artworks at the Varley Gallery on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 5 -7 pm, free of charge!
Our exciting evening will also include gourmet food, wine, live music and our very popular Silent Auction tables. For tickets, contact call the Varley Gallery at 905-477-9511 ext. 221.
VISA, American Express and Mastercard, cash or cheque accepted.
We are grateful to our Event sponsors: IBM Canada, Stephen Tar Century 21 Realty, Harry James Investments, 2Litre Productions, Mady Corporation Ltd, Howard A. Back, CA Professional Corporation and Village Nissan. Martini bar sponsored by Mariani's Custom Clothiers. We also acknowledge the generous sponsorship of numerous local catering establishments and the support of Willow Springs Winery.
216 Main Street, Unionville, ON
Preview and Silent Auction: 5:30 p.m. Live Auction: 7:30 p.m. SHARP
Tickets: $50 per person
This will be the 11th incredibly successful year for the Varley Fine Art Auction fundraising event. The highlight of the night will be the live auction, where over 100 original, Canadian artworks selected by prestigious art galleries in Toronto and the GTA will be on the block.
Support the Varley Gallery and have the opportunity to take home some wonderful pieces of original art. Proceeds from this event go to support the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, allowing us to continue presenting exhibitions and related programming of the highest quality, focusing on diversity within our community.
We are also featuring a Live preview of the artworks at the Varley Gallery on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 5 -7 pm, free of charge!
Our exciting evening will also include gourmet food, wine, live music and our very popular Silent Auction tables. For tickets, contact call the Varley Gallery at 905-477-9511 ext. 221.
VISA, American Express and Mastercard, cash or cheque accepted.
We are grateful to our Event sponsors: IBM Canada, Stephen Tar Century 21 Realty, Harry James Investments, 2Litre Productions, Mady Corporation Ltd, Howard A. Back, CA Professional Corporation and Village Nissan. Martini bar sponsored by Mariani's Custom Clothiers. We also acknowledge the generous sponsorship of numerous local catering establishments and the support of Willow Springs Winery.
For a preview of our Live Auction works, please visit:
http://www.markham.ca/NR/rdonlyres/8BC8CBB6-E3BD-4569-ADE8-E376978C2ED0/0/vg_auctioncatalogue.pdf
http://www.markham.ca/NR/rdonlyres/8BC8CBB6-E3BD-4569-ADE8-E376978C2ED0/0/vg_auctioncatalogue.pdf
See you there!
- Francesca Amato-Gauci
Development Officer
Varley-McKay Art Foundation
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