Art tour for the senior set

You don’t actually have to talk to enjoy The Art of Conversation (but it’s more fun if you do). It’s a program the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham has developed especially for seniors. The action begins at 3 p.m., on the second Friday of each month, with a guided tour of the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Light refreshments follow in the Community Room. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people or socialize with friends — and see some inspiring art.

Tours are limited to about 20 people, and no reservations are required. The $7 ticket covers Gallery admission, the guided tour and refreshments — tea or coffee and cookies.

All areas of the Gallery are wheelchair accessible. If you have special needs, please notify the Gallery in advance. For more information, please call Lee Petrie, Education Coordinator at (905) 477-9511, ext. 222.

The Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Their vision of Canada in all its natural, raw beauty continues to enthral Canadians, so it’s appropriate the stunning new gallery dedicated to one of the Group of Seven, incorporates natural building materials found in the Cadian landscape. Architect Jerome Markson also designed the 15,000 square foot building using a color palette inspired by Varley and the Group of Seven.

In large part due to the generosity of Kathleen Gormley McKay, the Gallery features one of the largest permanent collections of oil paintings, watercolours and drawings by Varley — widely recognized as one of Canada’s most gifted portrait artists. Works by a number of Varley’s renowned contemporaries are also represented, including J.E.H. MacDonald, J.W. Morrice and David Milne.

The Gallery will also host frequently changing exhibitions of work drawn from local, national or international sources. Group tours, school programs, studio courses workshops and family activities bring a broad range of interests and ages to the dynamic environment.

For the last 12 years of his life, Frederick Varley lived and painted in the nearby Gothic revival cottage that is now the Kathleen Gormley McKay Art Centre. The Gallery and Art Centre form a focal point for students, scholars and patrons of the arts from Canada and abroad.

A project grant from Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works and the Town of Markham through a Capital Campaign provided the funding for the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham.