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
- 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
MGA is thrilled to announce our annual Small is Beautiful 12 x 12 Art and Gift Sale, taking place at the McKay Art Centre December 3-8! We look forward to another exciting showcase of our members' work and invite you to participate.
- Exhibition Dates: In-Gallery: December 3rd - 7th, from 11am to 8pm Online: December 3–February 28, 2026
- Holiday Party: December 4, 7 – 9 pm. Join us to celebrate and connect!
View Show Here
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
Next Members Meeting Wednesday December 10th, 6:30-8:30 Location: Varley Art Gallery
Presenter: Sam Paonessa
Topic: Plein Air Painting
As an artist, Sam Paonessa feels most at home in a natural environment. Painting en plein air nourishes his soul and adds a spiritual dimension to his artistic experience. His award-winning body of work also includes many still life, urban landscapes, and figurative pieces.
A member of the Ontario Society of Artists, Sam is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art (now OCADU). In a distinguished career that spans five decades, his proficiency as an illustrator and artist was developed and honed in a lengthy tenure at Hallmark Cards Canada. Many original pieces he created there have been widely reproduced and have enjoyed commercial success throughout North America and overseas.
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
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
Friday Night Open Studio
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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!
Limited spaces so click here to register
An online show presented by Markham Group of Artist Members
See Show 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.
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Unionville Plein Air Festival 2026
Welcome to the Markham Group of Artists