Our qualified and experienced instructors will help you explore your creativity, while teaching you new techniques and art concepts. New ways of seeing and appreciating art are enhanced through interaction with the Gallery’s current exhibitions. Please contact the gallery for additional information at 905-477-9511 ext. 221.
Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton is a Scottish-born artist transplanted to Canada and is inspired by the magnificent landscapes, especially the northland. Andrew is a painter of light in all its forms from landscapes to still life. Andrew was educated at OCAD in the interdisciplinary program majoring in drawing and painting. Andrew's work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, the United States and internationally. Andrew was recently a Fine Arts Professor & Faculty Advisor at St. Lawrence College, and Curator at the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery in Brockville.
Andy Torani
Andy is a recent graduate from York University. After completing five years at York he received his bachelor of arts in art history and his bachelor of education. Andy has taught art classes to various ages in the primary, junior, intermediate and senior level and has a passion for education. Beyond the class Andy loves to not only learn the history of art but enjoys drawing and painting in both a realistic and cartoonist style.
Audra Noble
Audra Noble was born in Hamilton and has resided in Markham for many years. She has taught visual arts and photography with the Toronto School Board as well as workshops and classes for numerous galleries and institutions. Noble’s art continually evolves. She is masterful in black and white photography. Digital technology entices her and the computer is an important part of her toolbox. She recently started incorporating acrylic, pastel and watercolour paintings with her photographs.
Beverly Kelly
A Fine Arts graduate from Guelph University who will begin her Masters at OCAD this fall. Beverly has had two solo exhibitions in Toronto, and has shown her work at numerous galleries and art festivals around the city. She divides her time between teaching Visual Arts and Art History at the City Academy in Toronto and painting at her home in Stouffville..
Caroline Doyle Keane
Caroline is a Markham native, who received her degree in Fine Arts at York University, and has continued studies at the Ontario College of Art. As a Registered Art Therapist, Caroline fully appreciates the power of art and the positive impact it has on our lives.
Glenn Bernabe
Glenn Bernabe is a graduate of OCAD, a signature member of The Pastel Artists of Canada, the Portrait Society of Canada as well as a local member of The Markham Group of Artists. He has received Honourable Mention and Best in Show in several regional and nationwide juried competitions. In 2003, he made the top 100 in the Pastel Journal Magazine's "Pastel 100Annual International Juried Competition." Also, he has taught many classes and workshops in drawing and pastel arts in various institutions including the McMichael Art Gallery, Durham College and for the City of Vaughan.
Jamie-Lee Pickrell
A graduate of York University, studying Art History and taking a wide variety of Studio Courses, Jamie-Lee is a veteran of our children's art classes and camps. In her fourth year of teaching, Jamie-Lee's talent, enthusiasm, creativity, warmth, experience and winning smile makes her one of the kids' favourite art instructors. She is attending the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.
Janet Hendershot
Janet graduated from York University in Fine Arts. She has represented Canada abroad and received numerous Canada Council and Ontario Arts Council grants.Janet is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and Vice President of the Ontario Society of Artists.
Judith Livingston
Judith Livingston, an exhibiting artist, is a graduate of Ontario Teacher's College, and elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. She brings her skills, as a teacher and artist, to the workshops providing students with a structured, informative and enjoyable voyage into their next artistic venture.
Lisa Fong
Lisa is a graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design, with a focus on Drawing and Painting. She has been part of the Varley team for two years and also instructs for our Education/School programs. Her professionalism, creativity and talent are evident in her artwork and approach to teaching, as is her commitment to quality art education for kids of all ages.
Marta Kotynia
Born in Poland, Marta has extensive art experience with a background in fashion and pottery. She received diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Work, and worked as an educator at the Royal Ontario Museum before joining the Varley team two years ago as both an children’s art class and school program instructor. She continues her artistic practice in the field of pottery.
Neville Clarke
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959, Neville Clarke is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design. Neville’s watercolours are remarkable for their technical achievement and eloquent voice. Neville has had a numerous solo and group exhibitions during his artistic career.
Sarka Buchl-Stephenson
Sarka studied book illustration in the Czech Republic and received her Illustration Diploma from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. Currently working from the Art Gallery of Ontario’s studio space and the Open Studio, Sarka is primarily focused on printmaking and watercolours. Her latest works include dry point and monoprint techniques.
Sheila Ghazarian
Born in Pickering, Ontario, Sheila has worked for 20 years in the Graphics/Advertising field and has graduated from Durham College, Seneca College and is completing a diploma at the Toronto School of Art. Her work includes drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking and she has exhibited in numerous exhibitions. Sheila has conducted a number of workshops and art programs and has instructed both adults and children.
Sue DiGioacchino
Interpretive Illustrator, Sue DiGioacchino grew up in Unionville. She has fond memories of purchasing penny candy along Main Street in the 1960’s! She is a graduate of Sheridan College and spent some time in the Fine Arts Program at Guelph University. Sue has taught art in a Montessori environment and has run her own art program. She enjoys working in all types of media.
Vita Keeling
Vita is a Markham resident, and has over 25 years as a Graphic Artist. Vita has studied Commercial Art, Life Drawing, Air Brushing and Printmaking, and teaches art classes to both children and adults. Vita is a member of the Schoolhouse Group of Artists, Markham Group of Artists, and Visual Arts Ontario among others. She has recently formed a portraiture group entitled Painters 6.
Vivian Ha
Vivian is a member of local pottery guilds and shows her work in a variety of art sales and exhibitions. She has also developed and taught various pottery programs with non-profit organizations, summer schools and studios. For Vivian, the art of pottery is not only a skill or a talent but also a passion that she takes seriously. There is nothing more rewarding for her than to see chunks of clay emerging into beautiful forms and functional pieces.
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