Varley Art Gallery happenings
Be among the first to experience the Varley Art Gallery of Markham’s 2025 Summer Exhibitions.
Explore vibrant murals by Z’otz Collective while enjoying live Latin music, specialty food and drinks, and engaging hands-on activities for all ages at the Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception.
The reception also offers an opportunity to connect with the artists during an insightful gallery talk as they share the inspiration behind their work. It takes place May 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and registration is not required.
The summer exhibition Between the Current and the Echo takes place from May 24 to September 1. Admission is free. The Z’otz Collective is a multidisciplinary trio composed of Nahúm Flores, Erik Jerezano and Ilyana Martínez. Of Latin American heritage, the artists merge drawing, painting, ceramics and animation to create playful, story-driven works that blend tradition with contemporary experimentation.
Their art features bold lines, surreal imagery and hybrid creatures inspired by mythology, folk art and pre-Columbian motifs. Since 2004, the Collective has developed a unique communal process, passing works between members to build layered, evolving compositions. Between the Current and the Echo foregrounds the Z’otz Collective’s commitment to co-creation, challenging the notion of the solitary artist in favour of a collaborative, ever-evolving practice rooted in spontaneity and exchange. The exhibition is curated by Anik Glaude.
You’re invited to deepen your appreciation of contemporary art and connect with the curator’s expertise at Curator’s Corner on May 3 at 2 p.m. Glaude discusses selected works from the gallery’s 2025 Winter Exhibitions. Gain unique insights into the stories, themes and techniques behind the art and enjoy light refreshments in an intimate setting. Admission is free and registration is required.
Finally, the gallery invites you to donate your gently used magazines and books until May 4 to support sustainability and creativity. Your contributions will be repurposed for children’s art programs, helping to inspire young artists while reducing waste. All donors can enter a raffle to win a Varley Art Gallery Membership, which includes exclusive benefits such as free admission to 70+ galleries, and discounts on art classes, workshops and camps. For more information about the raffle and a list of accepted and non-accepted materials, visit varleyartgallery.ca
The Varley Art Gallery is located at 216 Main St., Unionville.