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
Click Here for More Information and to Start your Submission
Submissions Close March 12
We’re Heading to the Royal Ontario Museum!
🗓️ Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
🏫 Meet at the ROM at 10:15 am
🚊 Catching the train? Meet at Unionville GO for 8:30 am (Train schedule TBD).
Members: $10 (Click Here to Register)
Guests: $21
(Standard ROM rates: Adults $30 | Seniors $25)
Our ROM trip has been subsidized by MGA’s Jade Anniversary Fund. We thank our members who fundraised to subsidize our creative field trips.
Next Members Meeting Wednesday April 6th, 6:30-8:30 Location: Varley Art Gallery
Presenter: Michele Taras
Are you running out of ideas on what to paint ? Find yourself lacking inspiration? Then this is the session not to miss! We will be jogging your brains and igniting your creative spark! This dialogue will inspire ideas and unleash your inner palette.
Michele Taras has been described by reporter Kitty Huisman as "a young Picasso, as if he fell into a rainbow." After 25 years as a photographer, which includes eight years as a fashion photographer and publications with Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and others, Michele Taras began painting in 2018. Her style is very much her own and is a beautiful blend of fauve art and expressionism. Michele Taras takes inspiration from the world of imagination. Her whimsical paintings are riddled with playful energy, patterns and colour. Rejecting traditional rules, she believes in the power of heart-driven expression. Her unique selection of colour combinations makes her work stand out and gives it her signature stamp.
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
We will be at the Varley on Wednesdays starting in February 2026
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
- 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!
- Via water (canoe via the waterfall behind the Gallery) or air (parachutes): Hmmmm… maybe not!
Upcoming Paint Together Dates!
Members Only
Members Critique: Refine Your Vision
Get ready for our upcoming juried show with a supportive member-led discussion.
Art in Progress? Let’s talk about it
Saturday March 28, 10:00-1:00
Markham Village Library
Moderated by Lynn Ross
Bring one or two pieces of art currently in progress. We will begin by discussing everyone’s first piece and if time allows proceed to the second piece.
Our Goals: To Identify the successful elements of your work and offer constructive suggestions and fresh perspectives to polish your works in progress
Click Here to Register
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
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
