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
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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!
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