Welcome to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham Education Programs. Our mandate is to provide a positive gallery experience and a quality visual art education. We have broadened our programs to offer a wide range of subject matter and art activities to suit all ages. The new programs are directly related to the Ontario Visual Art Curriculum and present teachers with solutions to completing the required area of study.

Varley's Education Programs offer you the choice of either In-House Studio Programs or our newly expanded Outreach Program. Both education programs are specially designed to encourage creativity and self-expression in your students' young minds.

School programs are offered Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 noon or 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Times may be adjusted upon request to accommodate your class. For Outreach Programs, we fit your class around your classroom schedule.

The Varley Art Gallery is located on Historic Main Street, Unionville, in the Town of Markham and features work by regional and national artists with a special focus on the art of Frederick Horsman Varley (1881-1969), a founding member of the Group of Seven and one of the most celebrated portrait artists in Canada. Teachers are welcome at the Gallery free of charge, so drop in as often as you like and enjoy our frequently changing exhibitions.

School Program Booking Request

Varley Gallery Art a la Carte Education Program 

For more information, please call the School Programs Coordinator, Sue Firkser at 905-477-9511 ext. 234 or email varleyeducation@markham.ca  It is advised to provide at least 2 weeks advance notice to your desired program date, when making a booking.

The In-House Education Program is held here at the Gallery and is offered from Monday to Friday. All fees include taxes and mateials.

Download list of In-House School Programs  from 2008-2009 Varley art à la carte Education Program brochure

HALF-DAY PROGRAMS (2 hours)
A typical visit consists of a one hour interactive gallery tour with our professional guide, followed by a one hour hands-on studio component, encouraging creativity and imagination within the guidelines of the Ontario Curriculum.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $7.00 per student

NEW! FULL DAY PROGRAMS (3 hours + 1 hour lunch break)
A one hour comprehensive tour and hands-on studio activity is complemented by one of the following choices:

1. Historical walk through Main Street Unionville with an opportunity to sketch outdoors (weather permitting); or
2. An additional one hour studio exploring either landscape, portraiture or 3-dimensional artworks drawing on the current exhibitions for inspiration.

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 per student

The Varley Gallery's Outreach Programs have been specifically designed with the elementary educator in mind. It is curriculum-based, grade appropriate with links to history, geography and social studies. Onsideration has been given to thematic areas of study for different grades, such as Medieval Art, Ancient Civilizations and Aboriginal Art.

There is a strong component of Canadian artists and history, balanced with drawing and three-dimentional art projects.Choose from over 20 different themes and concepts which will inspire and excite your students.

The program brings a professional art instructor to your classroom providing 80 minutes of art instruction and hands-on activities with resource material provided.

Art supplies such as paper, paint, brushes are the responsibility of the school, but the Gallery can supply “re-useable” supplies such as printmaking tools, palettes and boards upon request. Please check the supply list provided to ensure you have what is needed on the day’s the Artist visits.

Download list of Outreach School Programs   from 2008-2009 Varley art à la carte Education Program brochure

Fees: $8.50 per student for a one-time 80 minute visit from our Program Instructor

Special Rate: $125.00 for 80 minute class (up to 26 students)

This special price is for a booking of at least 2 or more classes per day with a minimum of 4 in all. As an added bonus, classes that book 8 sessions are invited for a complimentary guided tour of the Varley Gallery, complete with Gallery art games and activities.

Exclusive art supplier:

http://www.abovegroundartsupplies.com/ 

Teachers are always welcome at the Gallery. We give you free admission too! During the school year we offer various in-house services and workshops in conjunction with your school board.

Very well integrated with the expectations of the Ontario School Curriculum. I really liked the fact that students were able to look and comment on each other's work.

Teacher, Grade 2, Wiclay P.S.
(Art Express School Program)

There was a nice interchange between visual art and hands-on art making! Great!

Teacher, Grade 4, North Toronto Christian Academy
(Hands Around the World, Outreach Printmaking School Program)

Students enjoyed the group work in the Gallery, analyzing a painting, and the hands-on studio activity. Thank you! You covered an incredible amount in two hours. An excellent programme!

Teacher, Grade 2, St. Matthew C.S.
(Specialized Arts Elective Workshops)

A great experience, beautiful Gallery, we will visit again!

Teacher, Pre-school, Manor Montessori,
(Painting the Magic of Colour School Program)

This was a great enhancement to our study of Medieval Europe ! Children enjoyed the book making and painting the Illuminated letters!

Teacher, Grade 4, St. Matthew C.S.
(Specialized Illuminated Letters Art Program)

Please, book your tour at least 14 days in advance. A booking request form and a 50% deposit is required in order to confirm your booking. For more information or to book a tour, please call the School Program Coordinator, Sue Firkser at 905-477-9511 ext. 234 or email varleyeducation@markham.ca

Varley Gallery School Program Booking Request Form

Varley Art à la carte Education Program Brochure 2008/09

Payment Information

• All cheques are to be made payable to "The Town of Markham
• A 20% deposit is required at time of booking. The balance is due upon completion of the program.
• Cancellations must be received in writing, minimum 15 full workingdays before the scheduled program date.
• Deposits are non-refundable if cancellation notice is not provided as per above.
• Any requested changes must be made minimum five working days prior to scheduled program date.

Prices are subject to change without notification.

Find out more about Varley Art Gallery's Programs & Courses:

• Art Classes
• Workshops & Lectures
• Seasonal Camp Programs
• Corporate Creativity Program