Public Programs

Adapted/Special Needs Program

The Varley Art Gallery is pleased to pilot two vitally important programs to serve the needs of the community. The gallery is committed to fostering a sense of self and discovery through learning and creative interaction in our arts education programming for both children and adults. 

Art Therapy
This eight week course offers children ages 7-9 years and 10-12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorders a safe and supportive environment for creative growth.  Through drawing, painting and sculpting, children will have the opportunity to express themselves, use imaginative thinking, stimulate developmental growth and gain social skills.  They will work independently as well as collaboratively on art projects.  Art projects will be based on goals set in the initial meeting between participants and facilitator Jamie-Lee Warner. All materials and progress reports included.

Dates: Tue. Apr. 5 to Wed. May 24, 2011 (8 weeks, 12 hours)
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $120.00
Ages: 7-9 yrs
Barcode: 185557

Register online with EZReg 

Dates: Wed. Apr. 6 to Wed. Jun. 1, 2011 (8 weeks, 12 hours)
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $120.00
Ages: 10-12 yrs
Barcode: 185558

Register online with EZReg  

Sensory Exploration Arts (SEA) Program
The Ontario Trillium Foundation has generously provided a grant for the Sensory Exploration Arts (SEA)Program, co-ordinated by Expressive Art Therapist Corene.  DeafBlind Ontario Services are partnering with four organizations including the Varley Art Gallery to bring this unique and creative program to adults within the local Deaf, Deafblind, and sensory impaired communities in York Region who face huge obstacles in their daily lives and have developmental and/or physical disabilities.

This program offers arts in the form of painting, sculpting, drawing, music, movement and drama.  The creative arts process is therapeutic to the well being of those participating. One of the exciting aspects of the program is encouraging the creative process by using the different senses to experiment with media.  This allows each individual the opportunity to further their sense of well being and growth through their own unique capabilities, and people who may not have had the previous opportunity to call themselves, Artist, are given that chance.  Local artists participate in the program and create and/or share their art with the participants.  The aim is to not only bring a sense of pride to the participants in their artwork, but also to share the experience and to create a sense of pride and connection within the local York communities through the Arts.

Programs in Markham run on Wed. Mar. 9, Mon. Apr. 11, Mon. May 9. and Mon. Jun. 13.  Dates for July and after will released shortly.

To register and for more information, click here. (PDF - 340k/6p) 

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