The Varley Art Gallery of Markham offers art classes year-round in a creative and welcoming environment dedicated to foster your own personal approach to art for:

• Adult
• Children and Pre-teen
• Teen

Taught by professional artists, our adult art classes provide guidance from an experienced and passionate perspective, surrounded by like-minded life-long learners.  Whether you are a beginner and have never picked up a paint brush or are an experienced artist looking for a creative outlet to keep your skill sharp, the gallery has something for you.  Round out your experience by joining us for our other public program offerings such as lectures, workshops, artist and curator talks.  

Classes for children, pre-teen and teens  ages 4-17 are designed to provide a solid foundation, engaging young artists to explore, imagine and take creative risks.  Programs are offered seasonally during March Break, Winter Break and Summer as well as during the fall, winter and spring sessions. 

How to Register

To register for an art class, follow any of the 4 ways to register below.

1. Use EZ Reg to register online.
2. Call 905-475-4867 to use FAST TRACK automated registration system.
3. Fax completed Program Registration Form to the City of Markham Contact Centre at 905-479-7767.
4. Contact gallery staff at 905-477-9511 ext.3261, to process your registration over the phone.

Please note the revised Refund Policy applicable for all Adult programs: refunds or cancellations must be made in writing at least 5 days prior.

Membership has its' benefits!

Gallery members receive a 10% discount on courses and workshops, plus other exciting benefits. (Don't forget to include your membership number with course registration to receive discount.)

Not a gallery member? Pick up a membership application at the gallery, or call 905-477-9511 ext. 3261.

Please note: An additional $10 fee applies to each course for non-residents.

For registration information or program availability, please call the Contact Centre at 905-475-4731, FAST TRACK automated registration system at 905-479-7767 or check or EZ Reg.

Varley Artist Instructor Biographies

Teaching Staff at the Gallery!
Our qualified and experienced instructors will help you explore your creativity, while teaching you new techniques and art concepts.  New ways of seeing and appreciating art are enhanced through interaction with the Gallery’s current exhibitions.  Please contact the gallery for additional information at (905) 477-9511 ext. 3261.
 

Andrew Hamilton     Andrew is a Scottish-born artist transplanted to Canada and is inspired by the magnificent landscapes, especially the northland. Andrew is a painter of light in all its forms from landscapes to still life. Andrew was educated at OCAD in the interdisciplinary program majoring in drawing and painting. Andrew's work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States and internationally

Anni Bretschneider    Anni is an enthusiastic artist and teacher. Self-taught, Anni’s enthusiasm to learn the medium led her to pursue watercolour painting with great passion. You’ll find her artwork full of texture, colour and movement. She loves the unpredictable nature of watercolour. Anni seeks spontaneity through exploration and experimentation, enjoying both the gift and challenge of letting go this unique medium presents. As an artist and teacher, Anni is thrilled to be able to share any information she can about the technical nature of watercolour as well as facilitate a more intuitive approach in artistic expression.

Caroline Doyle Keane     Caroline is a Markham native, who received her degree in Fine Arts at York University, and has continued studies at the Ontario College of Art.  Caroline fully appreciates the power of art and the positive impact it has on our lives.  She works at the Varley, teaches privately and is an Artist in the School for the York Region Catholic School Board. She works in acrylics, pen and ink, pencil crayon, and watercolour.  However, Caroline enjoys experimenting with a variety of more non-traditional media. As a registered Art Therapist, Caroline fully appreciates the power of art and the positive impact it has on our lives.

Glenn Bernabe     Glenn is a Master Pastellist and a Signature Member of The Pastel Artists Canada.  He was awarded The Grand Prize at The Pastel Artists Canada Purely Pastel National Juried Exhibition in 2008 and has received other honours in several regional and nationwide juried competitions.  In April 2010 and 2003, Bernabe made the Top 100 in the Pastel Journal Magazine's Pastel 100 Annual International Juried Competition.  As an illustrator, He has worked with several publishing companies in the past like Orca Book Publishers, Scholastic Canada, and Cobblestone Publishing. Glenn Bernabe has been teaching many classes and workshops in pastel and portraiture to artists since 2003.
 

Ingrid Forster     Ingrid is a professional Toronto-based photographer. She is a graduate of Concordia University’s BFA program, where she specialized in Photography and majored in Art Education-Visual Arts. She also developed her portfolio and skills through the Photography Certificate Program at Ryerson University Ingrid’s works include creative documentary, as well as people and commercial photography services. She also has several years of experience as a qualified photography instructor, working at Henry’s and the Varley Art Gallery.

Janet Hendershot     Janet graduated from York University in Fine Arts.  She has represented Canada abroad and received numerous Canada Council and Ontario Arts Council grants.  Janet is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and Vice President of the Ontario Society of Artists.
 

Jessica Del Sole     Jessica is an illustrator and art educator from Woodbridge, Ontario. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts specialist in history with a focus in art. Following this, she enrolled in Seneca College's Independent Illustration Program where she was able to develop her skill and creative portfolio. Since finishing school she has been involved in and worked for a range of creative organizations and communities such as Fedora Up-Side Down, Freedom Clothing Collective, Bang! Vaughan, and The Varley Art Gallery.
 

Judith Livingston    Judith an exhibiting artist, is a graduate of Ontario Teacher's College, and elected member of   the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour.  She brings her skills, as a teacher and artist, to the workshops providing students with a structured, informative and enjoyable voyage into their next artistic venture.
 

Kathryn Chelin    Kathryn has a wealth of experience teaching art in both the Elementary and Secondary panels. For the past 25 years, she has taught enriched classes in Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Sculpture at Unionville High School, the designated School for the Arts in York Region. She regularly does figure drawing conferences for teachers and she continues to teach studio classes to art teachers at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Lisa Fong        Lisa is a graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design, with a focus on Drawing and Painting.  She has been part of the Varley team for five years.  Her professionalism, creativity and talent are evident in her artwork and approach to teaching, as is her commitment to quality art education for kids of all ages.

Lizette Storey    Lizette began a career in art education teaching classes in illustration, animation and portraiture.  She graduated from York University with an Honours Degree in Fine Arts, concentrating in drawing, painting and printmaking.  Her love of art education brought her to The Robert McLaughlin Gallery as the Education Studio Specialist, responsible for the design and delivery of the majority of art classes, school programming and family workshops.  Lizette is an avid portrait artist, with an interest in actors of film noir and has exhibited in several juried shows and participated in gallery fundraising events. 

Neville Clarke    Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959, Neville Clarke is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design.  Neville’s watercolours are remarkable for their technical achievement and eloquent voice. Neville has had a numerous solo and group exhibitions during his artistic career. Neville currently is on the faculty of art at Centennial College.

Sarah Bedley

Sylvia Chan    A native to Unionville, Sylvia Chan has studied Visual Arts at multiple art institutions including Unionville High School, Chelsea College of Art and Design in England, London, and finally received her BFA at Concordia University. Currently, she is working towards her B.Ed at the University of Toronto. She has organized art workshops for youth organizations, such as Across Uhub and the Power Unit Youth Organization. She was selected to be part of the Top 26 Defining Moments Exhibition, which toured across Canada in 2012. Sylvia hopes to share her passion, skills and knowledge in the arts and to help young people develop their artistic skills.

Sarka Buchl-Stephenson     Sarka studied book illustration in the Czech Republic and received her Illustration Diploma from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.  Currently working from the Art Gallery of Ontario’s studio space and the Open Studio, Sarka is primarily focused on printmaking and watercolours.  Her latest works include dry point and monoprint techniques.

Vanessa Wong    Vanessa is an illustrator and art educator currently living in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She received her BA in Visual Arts and English Literature at the University of Western Ontario, and since then has continued to take a number of graphic arts and illustration courses. She hopes to be working in book publishing and illustration, particularly in children’s literature. In the upcoming year, Vanessa will continue to develop her practice through various illustration courses at OCAD University, while also exploring her interest in the written word through Ryerson University’s Book Publishing Program.

Vita Keeling        Vita is educated as a Commercial ad Visual Artist, and working as a Graphic Designer for 28 years; she began to pursue her desire to paint. Painting and drawing in a variety of genres, Vita is interested in her personal impression and interpretation of her subject. Participating in numerous juried and non-juried shows, her work has received recognition as well as awards. She currently teaches art to adults and seniors, and is involved in many community art programs.
 

Vivian Ha        Vivian is a member of local pottery guilds, and shows her work in various art sales and shows.  She has also developed and taught a range of pottery programs with non-profit organizations, summer schools, and studios. For Vivian, the art of pottery is not only a skill or a talent but also a passion that she takes seriously.  There is nothing more rewarding for her than to see chunks of clay emerging into beautiful forms and functional pieces.