Varley Art Gallery hosts summer exhibition
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham presents its summer exhibition, Between the Current and the Echo, featuring Z’otz* Collective, a multidisciplinary trio of Latin American heritage.
Nahúm Flores, Erik Jerezano and Ilyana Martínez merge drawing, painting, ceramics and animation to create playful, storytelling-driven works that blend tradition with contemporary experimentation.
“Between the Current and the Echo is a compelling example of the Varley Art Gallery’s role as an important site for artistic excellence and cultural dialogue,” says Varley Art Gallery Director Niamh O’Laoghaire. “This exhibition embodies the bold, playful and thought-provoking spirt that defines our programming.”
The Collective’s art features bold lines, surreal imagery and hybrid creatures inspired by mythologies, fables and pre-Hispanic art forms. 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 its commitment to co-creation, rejecting the notion of the solitary artist in favour of a collaborative, ever-evolving process rooted in spontaneity and exchange. The exhibition, curated by Varley Art Gallery’s Anike Glaude, will be on display until September 1.
“The Varley Art Gallery’s latest exhibition reflects the collaborative and imaginative spirit that defines the City of Markham,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Drawing on themes of mythology, transformation and migration, their art speaks to the rich cultural stories that shape our diverse community. We’re proud to support exhibitions that foster creativity, connection and dialogue among residents and visitors alike.”
The gallery will offer several free programs associated with its summer exhibition. Lunch and Learn with Z’otz* Collective, a virtual artist’s talk, takes place Wednesday, June 11 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Learn about their collaborative creative process, cultural inspirations and dynamic storytelling through drawing, sculpture and mixed media. Registration is required.
Make Your Mark: Artist Workshop with Z’otz* Collective is a collaborative workshop that will be held Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. Using crayons, markers and collage materials, participants will create whimsical creatures and scenes through fast-paced, imaginative exercises. As drawings are passed around the table, each person adds a fun twist. It’s open to all skill levels. Registration is required.
Chai & Write: Summer Joys with Sheniz Janmohamed, an online workshop with the local arts educator and poet, takes place Sunday, July 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. This reflective workshop invites participants to explore the season’s warmth through creative prompts and poetic expression. Enjoy a guided tour of the Varley’s latest exhibitions, write list poems inspired by summer memories and take a colour walk through Toogood Pond to create your own nature art. No writing experience is required. Registration is required.
Hop on the Art Bus for a trip from Toronto to the Varley to explore the works of Z’otz* Collective on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour led by the exhibiting artists and a return trip downtown. The bus will depart from the Royal Ontario Museum at 1 p.m. and will leave the Varley Art Gallery at 3:30 p.m. to return downtown. Registration is required.
Visit varleyartgallery.ca for more information.
Photo (L-R): Ilyana Martínez, Nahúm Flores and Erik Jerezano, all of the Z’otz* Collective, and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti at the Summer 2025 Exhibitions Opening Reception at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. (Photo by Jessica Li; courtesy of the City of Markham)