The Varley Voice

2011-01-11T16:54:00.001-05:00

2011-01-04T14:34:00.001-05:00

Opening February 10th - Carol Wainio: The Book
Curated by Diana Nemiroff

2010-12-16T09:23:00.001-05:00

Varley Winter Break Camps start on Monday...this means the glitter, glue, red, green, gold and silver crafting items have come out in preparation for a winter wonderland:)

2010-12-15T10:21:00.001-05:00

Do you & your family want to be in a photography exhibition put up by the Varley Gallery? Pick up a camera for "Family Celebrates" on Sat. Dec. 18 from Gallery front desk.

2010-12-13T11:07:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/nNLjl

Appreciation: Mr. Wallace Joyce - Varley Gallery benefactor

2010-12-10T11:22:00.002-05:00

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham offers its sincere condolences to Wallace Joyce's family and friends. Mr. Joyce played an essential role in the growth of the Varley Gallery and in believing in the great things that the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham could do. He trusted the Gallery and allowed us to present his collection and interpret his choices to the public. He supported the Varley Art Gallery’s building expansion to create an exhibition space dedicated to the Permanent Collection. Wallace Joyce was a true philanthropist supporting projects meaningful to him but that also made a significant contribution to the community. He had fond memories of Unionville, and shared them with us with great enthusiasm.

On behalf of our membership and of all members of the staff, I assure you that his legacy to our community will always be celebrated and remembered. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Yours Sincerely,

Francine Périnet
Director
The Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham
216 Main Street Unionville
Markham, On, L3R 2H1

2010-12-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

A big welcome to the Varley's new curator, Anik Glaude and a fond farewell to Alison Plouffe

2010-12-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

A big welcome to the Varley's new curator, Anik Glaude and a fond farewell to Alison Plouffe

Homes for the Holidays 2010 Holiday Extravaganza! via #constantcontact

2010-10-08T13:05:00.001-04:00

Homes for the Holidays 2010 Holiday Extravaganza! via #constantcontact

As a Wrap up to Summer 2010, meet the Varley Summer Camp Instructors!

2010-08-20T11:20:00.007-04:00

Lindsay!

Lindsay is an Ontario certified teacher specializing in History and English, with a passion for learning and art. She is a world traveller and cannot wait to share her experiences with the new artists of summer camp 2010!

Melissa is in her third year at York University in the Concurrent Education program. This is her second year at Varley Summer Camp. As a first year instructor here, she is thrilled to be teaching at Varley and is excited to create lots of fabulous art with the campers!

Amanda has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Ontario College of Art and Design. She is excited for her first summer instructing at the Varley Art Gallery and hopes to continue educating children in art both locally and overseas.

Isabella is a concurrent education student at Queens University who is passionate about both kids and art. She is excited for her second year at Varley!

Isabella!

Rachel attends the University of Waterloo pursuing her Fine Arts and Business Degree. This is her first summer at the Gallery and she is super excited for all the fun weeks ahead!

Stephanie is a graduate from the University of Toronto, St. George, double majoring in English and Art History. In September she will be attending Queens University to receive her teaching degree. She has been at Varley for three years, making her a Varley veteran. She is excited to share her passion for art and teaching with our campers!

Stephanie!

A note from our Summer Camp Directors

2010-08-19T14:33:00.002-04:00

A note from Lauren Caldwell and Jamie-Lee Warner:

As the Summer Camp Directors, we have had the pleasure of encouraging the arts and creativity to hundreds of children this summer. Projects have been filled with colours; sculptures have been created using many different media - some of our projects have even been hidden on Main Street Unionville for all the community to enjoy!

We get messier and have tons of fun at every Summer Camp at Varley!

We want to give a special thank you to all our enthuasiastic staff who join camp to make sure becomes the vibrant and educational programme that we strive for at the Varley.

We are very sad to see Summer Camp 2010 come to a close, but look toward Summer 2011 with eager anticipation!

Lauren Caldwell & Jamie-Lee Warner
Varley Summer Camp Directors

"Tom Thomson" poem by George Whipple

2010-07-30T10:46:00.000-04:00

Before his paintings fared out of his brush
the accidental grandeur of burnt woods
turned him aside. Behind
the thick dark cedar screen
of Time where all that changes, stilled
and verified by art, unchanging lives,
in birch-white solitudes he made a pledge
to something on some always distant shore
that beckoned his canoe beyond the lampit edge
of crowded cities, towns.

The charcoal hush
of evening, deep Muskoka rivers, lakes
where deer come down to drink the lapping moon
he caught on canvas -- with a sense of things unseen.

He took the meausre of the tallest tree.
In you, beleagured Jackpine, native Harp,
the wind's gnarled language learned to reproduce;
spread-eagled, straining arms against the sky,
your thunder-shaped, deep-throated silent Cry
he captured -- rooted fast in shouts of paint.

When maples kindled south of Mattawa
and burnded boughed heaven's arching dome:
when autumn flamed through shadow-crafted aisles
of branching latticeworkd more brilliantly designed
than Chartres' rhetoric of stony lace -- he saw
how everything breathed truth, and felt at home
for the first time as sight and insight merged
-- Algonquin's solitary soul with his entwined
as he poured out his self-commissioned praise
grandiloquent as warpaint on the world.

The undeflected compass of his dreams
led far beyond Algoma Central's farthest rail
to reach those treasures hidden in plain sight --
silken cobwebs chandeliered with rain,
the sould within a rock, the whirling pool
solidified in whorls of knotted maple grain,
the Spirit's thereness everywhere intact:
each nothing stone the cosmos held in place,
no smallest insect moved except by grace.
-- Some inner map of innocence and awe
had led him deep within himself to find
our land's rich emptiness.

He struck it big.
In motherlodes of feeling still underminded,
a flash of certitude, a radiant strange Force
awakened him while others lay asleep.
Impervious to critics' yelping tomahawks,
nostalgia for the future made more clear
what's never missed until it's found -- most near,
most far -- the earth entrusted to our keep,
the native soil where freedom has its source.

The many scattered fragments of Perhaps
(a dance of dappled mirros on a twig
where spinning leaves collect the wind)
he salvaged -- showing us a world unseen
until intrepid distances explored his eyes
with new perspectives, forms fresh as that lake
compacted to a 10-inch square of beaverboard
where tamarack at tamarack still-gaze
across a resinous black pool ablaze
with sunset's burning flames -- a scene
to call for celebration in whatever room
it glows.

So one enduring masterpiece --
homemade -- familiar friend to all, in hearts
too long aggresively indifferent, wakes
some latent feeling -- half-asleep -- to sing.
Our future was the past too long assigned
to others. Now we have a voice that sees
cantata-clear white hemlock tapestries,
blue shadows on white arioso snow.

Not what he saw but what he knew ws there
he fleshed upon nude canvas -- lavish, spare,
lovingly unveiled in unpremeditated art.

In contemplation all remembrance dies.
The field of vision's narrowed to a cloud
is ointments on a stick. Both humbe/proud
the artist/shaman heals, and witless/wise
unknowing, knows. He sees by going blind
invisible bright objects silent/loud
as crimson on a leaf.

Sometimes we find
the future's passed before the present dawns
-- yet how his yellow/blues melt into green,
an always-present mixing in our eyes
an endless spring.

***
One cloudy day
he took his fishing tackle, lit his pipe,
shoved off from shore and paddled far away
-- into his pictures. Clutching the last straw
of light, hands slipping from the cold
ascending surface of the lake
he disappeared.

In rough unsettled solitudes
of tamarack and maple, lake and stream,
our country's northern soul forever broods:
its solemn, sweet, sad joy, its many moods
remote and reticent he caught as in a dream
still haunting us -- the woods within the woods.

Two New Exhibitions Open at the Varley Art Gallery

2010-07-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

Release date: May 14, 2010

Two New Exhibitions Open at the Varley Art Gallery

June 3, 2010 - September 6, 2010

Cultural Floe: Modern and Inuit Traditions
Curated by Anna Hudson

A Tribute to Norman Bethune: the mural and political cartoons of Avrom Yanovsky
Curated by Anna Hudson

Varley in Unionville
Selections from the Permanent Collection

Unionville, Ontario - The Varley Art Gallery of Markham opens two new exhibitions on June 3, 2010 along with an exhibition of works by F.H. Varley selected from the galleries permanent collection.

Cultural Floe: Modern and Inuit Traditions
The exhibition juxtaposes sculpture and drawing produced at the beginning and end of the ethnically defined field of Inuit modern art. During the 1950's an international market developed for carving produced in the regions now known as Nunavut and Nunavik. Sixty years later, following significant attainments in Aboriginal self-governance, current Inuit art now flows into an expansive international contemporary art practice. In this new context, individual artists are celebrated as witnesses to a new global reality. Inuit traditional knowledge privileges the expression of personal experience over received information. The subjective views of life captured in these sculptures and drawings advance the continuity of an Inuit way of being in the world and offer a template of cultural influence on contemporary culture.

Featuring the works of: Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Adam Alorut, Abraham Anghik, Shuvinai Ashoona, Maria Connolly, Osuitok Ipeelee, Naulaq Michael, Idris Moss-Davies, William Noah, Sheokjuk Okutaq, Silas Qayaqjuak, Tim Pitsiulak and Oviloo Tunnille.

A Tribute to Norman Bethune: the mural and political cartoons of Avrom Yanovsky
The exhibition features Avrom Yanovsky's mural tribute to Dr. Norman Bethune who remains best known as a hero in the People's Republic of China. He is remembered in Canada as a surgeon and inventor who developed a mobile blood-transfusion service, a political activist and an early proponent of a universal health care system. The mural was painted for the Communist Party of Canada and covered an entire wall at the Norman Bethune-Tim Buck Educational Centre in Toronto. The mural, completed in 1963-65, has never been exhibited since being removed from its original location.

Over sixty political cartoons by Yanovsky published between 1950 and 1972 are included in the exhibition. The ink drawings, with their collaged and corrected compositions, are the original cartoons published in newspapers nationally, most commonly in The Worker and The Canadian Tribune, and internationally through World News Services. All are animated by a cast of easily recognizable characters: the money bag, the banker, the capitalist, and the politician - with his sidekick, the police or military. Yanovsky saved the leading role for the worker: an idealized representation of labour who endured the endless greed and buffoonery of capital and political power.

Varley in Unionville is an exhibition curated from the Varley Art Gallery's permanent collection with much of the work being part of the original bequest from Kathleen McKay.
A friend of Donald and Kathleen McKay, Varley became their boarder and followed them on their move from Toronto to Unionville in the mid-1950's. In Unionville, Varley would produce numerous paintings and sketches of Kathleen McKay, his muse. She also accompanied him on painting trips throughout Ontario and British Columbia.

Opening Reception Photo Gallery

Join the Varley Volunteer Book Club!

2010-01-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

If you are a Varley volunteer and you wish to get to know other volunteers, why not become involved with this active group who meets five times a year at the McKay House on the second Tuesdays of January, April, June, September and November. This year the Book Club is privileged to receive a private tour of The Automatiste Revolution exhibit given by our new Director, Francine Périnet. We are also planning a visit to the Textile Museum in September to coincide with the fall exhibit.

Here are the book selections for 2010. This year’s art novel is the story of Frank Lloyd Wright entitled, Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. Other novels are The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, The Guernsey Literary Pie by Mary Ann Shaffer, The Last Concubine by Lesley Downer.
Members of this popular and successful book club are committed to serving the Varley and in doing so they enrich their lives with art related events. The camaraderie amongst the members who share a love of art and books is just the icing on the cake.

For more information please contact Francesca Amato-Gauci at the Varley at famato-gauci@markham.ca or Gail Arena at arenag@rogers.com, (905)292-2241

Montreal Gazette review of Automatiste Exhibition!

2010-01-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Expression+many+hues+This+year+crop+books+covers+ground/2325986/story.html

NOW Magazine's Art Review - Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941 - 1960

2010-01-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

http://www.nowtoronto.com/art/story.cfm?content=173104

Canadian Art article on The Automatiste Revolution

2010-01-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

Varley Art Gallery's Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941 - 1960 ranked the show of the year for 2009!
http://www.canadianart.ca/online/features/2009/12/17/top-ten/

The year artists made big splashes in small ponds

2010-01-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

Sarah Milroy's article in the Globe and Mail - Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 5:39PM EST
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/the-year-artists-made-big-splashes-in-small-ponds/article1414440/

Le Devoir - Retrospective a Markham et a Buffalo - Les Automatistes Exposes aux Etats Unis

2009-12-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

http://www.ledevoir.com/culture/arts-visuels/272513/retrospective-a-markham-et-a-buffalo-les-automatistes-exposes-aux-etats-unis

An Automatiste Revolution review from a visitor!

2009-12-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

http://roadstories.ca/automatiste-revolution-still-reigns-in-quebec/

L'Express Article on The Automatiste Revolution

2009-12-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

http://www.lexpress.to/archives/4443/

“"The Automatiste Revolution" – is it too early to call it the show of the year?”, Peter Goddard

2009-12-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/718224--highlighting-canada-s-missed-moment

Stephen Cain blog about The Automatiste Revolution

2009-12-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

http://stephencain.blogspot.com/2009/10/revolutions-revealed.html

Canadian Art article on The Automatiste Revolution

2009-12-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

http://www.canadianart.ca/online/see-it/2009/12/03/the-automatiste/

Homes for the Holidays 2009

2009-09-02T15:55:00.000-04:00

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!

Sue Firkser's Nicaragua Travels - Update 2

2009-08-18T12:12:00.000-04:00

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

Sue Firker's Nicaragua Travels - Update 1

2009-08-18T12:06:00.000-04:00

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

Book the Varley for your Special Event!

2009-08-17T12:39:00.001-04:00

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:

Community: $187.00
Private: $267.00
Set Fee 3 to 6 Hours:

Community: $374.00
Private: $534.50
After Closing Per Hour:

Community: $66.00 + 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

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

Rental of Courtyard(Flat Fee)
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:

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.

For more rental information call Doriana Cabeceiras on 905-477-9511 ext 223

Markham Appoints New Director for Varley Art Gallery

2009-08-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

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.

Simcoe Day Celebrations!

2009-08-03T11:19:00.001-04:00

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!

Carnival: The Spirit and The Soul exhibition in the news

2009-07-31T12:19:00.000-04:00

http://www.corrieretandem.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9305

The Automatiste Revolution: Montreal 1941 - 1960

2009-07-24T11:38:00.000-04:00

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.

Varley Gallery Virtual Tour

2009-07-24T11:37:00.000-04:00

Varley Gallery Virtual Tour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs1_wlip-9M

Varley Fine Art Auction 2009

2009-07-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

Live Auction attendees

The opening of the Live Auction
L 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!

The Live Auction Preview

Watch the video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slzw9wXDtfY

The Varley Gallery's Education Co-Ordinator has a new mission!

2009-07-23T12:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.yorkregion.com/article/93458

Varley Art Auction - Join us for an evening of fine art, lively entertainment and gourmet food!

2009-05-06T20:26:00.000-04:00

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.

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

See you there!

- Francesca Amato-Gauci

Development Officer

Varley-McKay Art Foundation