SUMMER SOLSTICE
COLLECTIONS GALLERY
May 25 to September 2, 2024
Organized by the Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Curated by Anik Glaude and Susanne Lee
About the Exhibition
The summer solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when the sun is furthest from the equator and is at its highest point in the sky. Due to the earth’s axis and the position of the sun, it is also the day with the longest period of sunlight and the shortest period of darkness. In the northern hemisphere, this event occurs in June and marks the official start of summer.
Many artists have revelled in the opportunity to spend time outdoors during the summer months, capturing the essence of the season. Featuring bright landscape vistas, colourful blossoms, and scenes of people enjoying various summer activities, Summer Solstice presents an eclectic assortment of works from the gallery’s permanent collection. Interspersed among these paintings are sketches by F. H. Varley, offering viewers an insight into what might be happening beyond each frame.
We thank the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham for their ongoing support to preserve and exhibit the collection.
Associated Programs
Summer Exhibition Opening Reception
Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 1:30 PM to 4 PM | Free | Registration not required.
Kick off your summer season at the Varley with our Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception. Meet the exhibiting artists, join in guided tours, enjoy food and music, and get hands-on with family-friendly craft workshops and board games. Plus, don't miss the chance to meet a Star Trek-themed cosplayer as she roams the venue!
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Honouring the Summer Solstice: Nature Poetry Walk
Thursday, June 20 | 6:30 to 8 PM | Free | Registration not required.
Join local arts educator and poet Sheniz Janmohamed for a gentle nature poetry walk along Toogood Pond inspired by our summer exhibition Summer Solstice. Tour the gallery, learn about summer solstice celebrations across cultures, participate in sensory journaling prompts, and create nature mandalas to honor the sun.
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Lunch and Learn: “From Cabbagetown Dropout to the Ontario College of Art:
Exploring the Unexpected Life of Artist Frederick Hagan”
Wednesday, June 26 | 12:30 to 1:30 PM Free | Online | Registration required.
Craving art inspiration during your lunch break? Delve into the fascinating and unconventional journey of Canadian artist Frederick Hagan, as his daughter Annemarie shares personal stories and insights into his remarkable career.
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Curator's Corner: Discovering Art Together
Saturday, August 10 | 2 to 4 PM | Free | Registration not required
Discover the Canadian artistry at our exclusive gallery talk. Gain unique perspectives as Annemarie Hagan, daughter of the Canadian artist Fred Hagan, shares stories about her father's artistic journey. Join a guided exhibition tour led by curator Anik Glaude while exploring the significance of Boy in the Wilderness by Fred Hagan. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle and discuss the art with fellow enthusiasts.
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors and funders:
Image credit:
Agnes Johnson, Milne Country House, Markham, n.d., oil on canvas, 42.8 cm x 63.7 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Gift of the Estate of Kathleen Gormley McKay, 1996.