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 Town of Markham Contact Centre at 905-479-7767.
4. Contact gallery staff at 905-477-9511 ext.221, 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. 221.

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. 221.

Andy Torani

Andy is a graduate from York University. After completing five years at York he received his Bachelor of Arts in Art History and his Bachelor of Education.  Andy has taught art classes to various ages in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior level and has a passion for education. Beyond the class Andy loves to not only learn the history of art but enjoys drawing and painting in both a realistic and cartoonist style.

Andrew Hamilton

Andrew Hamilton 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

Beverly Kelly

Beverly Kelly is an artist, writer and arts educator. She graduated from the University of Guelph with majors in fine art and history, and is currently working on her Masters in Contemporary Art History at OCAD University. She has exhibited work in a number of solo exhibitions, galleries and art festivals over the past fifteen years. Currently she lives and works in her studio in Stouffville, Ontario, is the Chair of the Varley Art Gallery’s Sphere Committee and is actively involved in various community outreach and fundraising initiatives. Her work can be found in collections across Canada, in the United States and the Bahamas.

Caroline 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.

Glenn Bernabe

Glenn Bernabe is a graduate of OCAD, a signature member of The Pastel Artists Canada as well as a local member of The Markham Group of Artists.  He has received Honourable Mention and Best in Show in several regional and nationwide juried competitions.  In 2003, He made the top 100 in the Pastel Journal Magazine's Pastel 100 Annual International Juried Competition.  Also, he has taught many classes and workshops in drawing and pastel arts in various institutions.

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.

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.

Jamie-Lee Warner

Jamie-Lee is a graduate of York University and studied Art History and Studio. She is currently completing her thesis for a diploma at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She has taught the children’s art classes and school programs for six years and has recently piloted the Art Therapy program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADD/ADHD.

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.

Judith Livingston

Judith Livingston, 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.

Sheila Ghazarian

Born in Pickering Ontario, Sheila has worked for 20 years in the Graphics / Advertising field, and graduated from Durham College, Seneca College and is presently completing a diploma at Toronto School of Art.  Her work includes drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking and she has exhibited in numerous exhibitions. Sheila has conducted a number of workshops and art classes and has instructed both adults and children.

Sue DiGioacchino

Interpretive Illustrator, Sue DiGioacchino grew up in Unionville. She has fond memories of purchasing penny candy along Main Street in the 1960’s! She is a graduate of Sheridan College and spent some time in the Fine Arts Program at Guelph University. Sue has taught art in a Montessori environment and has run her own art program. She enjoys working in all types of media.

Vita Keeling

Vita is a Markham resident, and has over 25 years as a Graphic Artist.  Vita has studied Commercial Art, Life Drawing, Air Brushing and Printmaking, and teaches art classes to both children and adults.  Vita is a member of the Schoolhouse Group of Artists, Markham Group of Artists, and Visual Arts Ontario among others.

Vivian Ha

Vivian is a member of local pottery guilds.  She shows her work in a variety of art sales and shows.  She has also developed and taught various 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.