Welcome to the Markham Group of Artists
Founded in 1981, the MGA is a creative group of Visual Artists, drawn together with a common goal of artistic development, community building and social connections.
Markham Group of Artists Membership Benefits:
- Member Art Shows: Gallery and Online, Juried and Non-Juried
- Monthly Meetings with Tutorials, Presentations and Demonstrations by Professional Artists
- Reduced Rates for Workshops
- New Weekly Group Plein Air Locations from May to September
- Discounted Gallery tickets on Member’s Day excursions.
- Social Events
- Life Drawing
- Collaborative Projects
- 10% Discount Above Ground Art Supplies
- Presence on our Website with a Link to your Artist Website
- AND MORE!!
Contact us at markhamartists@gmail.com
Invite your Friends to Join!
Click Here to Purchase
There is so much exciting programming planned for the rest of the season:
- Member Art Shows: Juried and Non Juried.
- Next juried art show: Boynton House, with cash prizes available!
- Monthly meetings with exciting announcements and demonstrations.
- Monthly presentations professional artists.
- Collaborative projects & community building initiatives.
- Member discounts on creative workshops.
- Member group drawing events with refreshments.
- Life Drawing with a sustained pose, 2-3 times a month.
- Group gallery visits with discounted tickets.
- 10% Discount when you show your MGA membership card at the
- Presence on our website with a link to your website.
- Group Plein Air from spring to fall.
- Creative networking opportunities.
- AND MORE FUN THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A PAINT BRUSH AT!
Abovegound Art Store.
Full Time Students may purchase a membership for $20.00 Here
Call for Entry starting September 15th
An online show for Markham Group of Artist Members
Click Here for more information and to Submit
Next Members Meeting
Wednesday November 5th, 6:30-8:30
Location: Varley Art Gallery
In addition to her studio practice, Maria is an experienced instructor and demonstrator, sharing her knowledge through workshops, courses, and presentations.
Maria is an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists and the Ontario Society of Artists, as well as a Master Signature-Eminent Pastelist Member of Pastel Artists Canada.
Presenter: Eleanor Lowden Topic: Acrylic
Also at the Meeting
- Member’s Art Show: Please bring painting and a small easel, label your work with your name!
- Mingle Time with Refreshments
- Exciting Announcements
- Pick up your MGA Membership Card
for a 10% DISCOUNT AT ABOVE GROUND ART STORE!
Join us to find out more!
We look forward to welcoming you!
Find Out What’s Happening on our Events Calendar
Click Here
Life Drawing at the Varley Art Gallery
/w=3840,quality=90,fit=scale-down)
Starting September 17 to December 3 we will be at the Varley on Wednesdays
5 to 8PM - Doors Open at 5:00
$20.00
Non Members can register through the Varley Art Gallery
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring Life Drawing or Painting Open Studio in partnership with The Varley Art Gallery! This uninstructed session, featuring dressed or costumed models in a long pose, provides the perfect opportunity to explore portraiture and life drawing in a creative and supportive environment. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own materials and enjoy an evening of artistic exploration alongside fellow art enthusiasts.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early! Click Here to sign up
The intersection of Main Street and Carlton is open!
- Parking is available at the Varley Gallery or the Community Arena, and at the church parking lot across then street.
Ways to get to Life Drawing:
- Carlton: Yes!
- Main Street: Not Really!
- Via water (canoe via the waterfall behind the Gallery) or air (parachutes): Hmmmm… maybe not!
Plein Air 2025
Every Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm except for the week of October 7th ….
Tuesday October 7th at 9:30am start time - Karen Doran’s property. 3120 Highway7A, Blackstock ON
Sugar maple trees line a long driveway leading to a stone century home and barns.
In addition to our own Plein Air locations, we have been invited to join the Beach Guild of Fine Art's plein air dates.
For more information about our upcoming Plein Air locations and those offered by the Beach Guild of Fine Art Click Here
Pack Up Your Art Supplies and Join Us!
This is a free workshop for MGA members only.
Date: Tuesday October 21st
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00PM
Location: Markham Public Library, Markham Village Branch
Limited spaces so click here to register
Sign Up for the Art Supply-Sale - Swap - Give Away
Date: Saturday October 25th
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00PM
Location: Markham Public Library, Markham Village Branch
Bring you no longer needed art supplies to sell, swap or give away and see what others are offering.
This is your art supply garage sale! This event is free for members. Register Here
Read about opportunities to join our volunteer team Here!
Many hands make light work - John Heywood
MGA is a non-profit organization run solely by dedicated volunteers. Each individuals’ talents and skills, contribute to an enthusiastic and fun group of people, who come together to execute a shared vision of finding ways to elevate the arts in our community.
Do you love the arts? Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Are you looking to join a group with creative and fun activities? Do you have a skill that you would like to share?
We have opportunities for all levels of commitment.
To apply to volunteer with the MGA, click here.
If you are a High School Student who would like to volunteer click here.
*Volunteers have the opportunity to show their work at Espresso 21. Click here to find out more
MGA Members Add Your Website and Social Media
Need gear?
Members can rent a display grids from us by filling out an easy online form. Learn more about renting gear at our Shopping page.
Members Margaret Grandison, Ray McNeice and Kate Greenway will be showing their art at the wonderful Stouffville Fine Art Studio Tour. Click the image to find out more!
