The Varley Art Gallery of Markham

Deconstructed: Works from the permanent collection
19 November 2011 to May 2012

James Wilson Morrice, Morocco-Carnival Time (detail), n.d., oil on panel, collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, gift of the estate of Kathleen Gormley McKay.

In anticipation of the opening of a new exhibition space dedicated to its permanent collection, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham presents a selection of works from this much-valued municipal collection. Formed from the initial bequest of Kathleen Gormley McKay in the mid 1990s, the Varley's collection has grown over the years to include works dating from the 19th to the 21st century, due to the generous donations of members and patrons. With an emphasis on the works of Frederick Horsman Varley and those of his fellow members of the Group of Seven, the collection also boasts works from such artists as James Wilson Morrice, Phillip Surrey, Molly Lamb Bobak, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jack Bush and Sorel Etrog.

Deconstructed juxtaposes selected paintings, drawings and sculptures, providing an overview of the collection's scope and content. To deconstruct implies the breaking down of a whole into its constituent parts; to dissect or to dismantle. Old favourites and hidden gems will be on display throughout the winter, highlighting the threads that exists between these works both formally, historically and thematically.

New works acquired by the Gallery over the past five years will be shown. These include a selection of works on paper by F.H. Varley, including Rainy Day, London Harbour (c.1903-05) and Ebb Tide, Whitby Harbour (c.1905-1906); early works created by the artist prior to his coming to Canada in 1912.

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New gallery space opening this winter

After a short construction delay, the Varley will open its new $2.5 million gallery space this winter. The expansion has been made possible thanks to a major contribution from Mr. Wallace Joyce to the Varley-McKay Art Foundation in 2008. The Varley Art Gallery also wishes to thank the Town of Markham, the Government of Ontario and the Varley-McKay Art Foundation for their generous support of this project.

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The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is supported by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, the Town of Markham, the Ontario Arts Council, memberships, and private donations.

Visit www.varleygallery.ca for more information. 

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham www.varleygallery.ca and the Varley-McKay Art Foundation www.visitthevarley.com | 216 Main Street Unionville - Markham, ON L3R 2H1 | 905.477.9511 | Gallery hours | Tues., Wed., Fri., Sun. 11am - 4pm, Thurs. 11am - 8pm, Sat. 10am - 5pm. 

Admission: Adults $5.00 | Seniors and students $4.00 | Youth (6-11) $3.00 | Children (under 6) free | Family (up to 2 adults and 4 children/youth) $12.00 | Gallery members free | Reciprocal members free (plus *HST).

Media inquiries | Contact Tracey Shepherd | 905.477.9511, ext. 235 | tshepherd@markham.ca.