The Varley Art Gallery of Markham welcomes visitors to a compelling season of exhibitions running from May 23 to September 7, 2026. This summer’s programme features three distinct exhibitions that explore identity, memory, history, and creative expression through contemporary and historical perspectives.

Located in the heart of Markham, the gallery continues its tradition of presenting thought-provoking exhibitions that connect audiences with both established and emerging artists. Together, the exhibitions offer a diverse experience that appeals to art enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in discovering new perspectives through visual storytelling.

What Holds Us Together | Main Gallery

The featured exhibition, What Holds Us Together, brings together the work of artists Par Nair, Scott Sawtell, and Vicky Talwar. Through painting, the artists examine themes of identity, belonging, memory, and personal history. Their works navigate spaces of transition and transformation, creating visual worlds that reflect the complexities of contemporary life and the connections that shape individual experiences. Curated by Anik Glaude, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how relationships, memories, and shared experiences help create a sense of stability in an ever-changing world.

Sketching the Past | Collections Gallery

Sketching the Past offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the artistic observations of Frederick Horsman Varley. The exhibition highlights sketches created during visits to Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum, revealing the artist’s remarkable attention to detail and curiosity about the world around him. From dinosaur skeletons and fossils to cultural artefacts and sculptures, the drawings capture both scientific and artistic interests. Historical photographs complement the sketches, providing insight into museum displays of the era and encouraging visitors to reflect on how museums preserve and interpret history.

Emerging Artist Spotlight: Hayley Chi Hay Chiu | Intro Gallery

This year’s Emerging Artist Spotlight showcases the work of Toronto-based painter Hayley Chi Hay Chiu. A second-generation Chinese Canadian artist, Chiu creates imaginative oil paintings that blend personal narratives with elements of fantasy, folklore, and cultural memory. Her work explores themes of identity, home, and belonging through richly detailed imagery and storytelling. The exhibition highlights a promising young artist whose creative practice reflects both personal experience and broader questions about heritage, migration, and self-discovery. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a fresh and distinctive artistic voice at an exciting stage of her career.

Plan a Visit

Together, these three exhibitions create a rewarding cultural experience that bridges past and present while celebrating artistic exploration. Whether visitors are drawn to contemporary painting, historical collections, or emerging talent, the Varley Art Gallery’s Summer 2026 exhibitions offer plenty to discover and enjoy throughout the season.