Vision and Mission

Vision and Mission

The Markham Group of Artists (MGA) is a vibrant community of artists that has been inspiring creatives in the Markham area since 1981. Founded by Pat Wheeler and incorporated on April 16, 2012, MGA includes artists from beginners to professionals, who work in a variety of media and styles. MGA welcomes all visual artists, and currently has a membership consisting of 90 artists, the majority of whom reside in the City of Markham. MGA offers an array of workshops and lectures by distinguished artists and stages a variety of juried and non-juried shows in the community on an annual basis. MGA also holds annual juried shows: Viewpoints at the McKay Art Centre of Unionville and the online Windows Open show in September. In spring, summer, and fall, MGA artists are out and about painting community scenes en plein air. MGA collaborates with the City of Markham community, through participation in public art projects, painting mosaics and, on occasion, collaborating with the Varley Art Gallery. Our Purpose The MGA’s purpose is to inspire and support the growth of visual creative talent in its members. Our Vision To maintain a vibrant community of artists, creating, learning, and growing together; enriching the community we live in. Our Mission To provide opportunities for MGA members to improve and grow their artistic talent by:  promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through skills- building workshops, art history talks, art demonstrations and other programming  energizing artistic creativity through a network of artists  providing opportunities for exposure of members’ artwork through shows, digital media and public art  providing spaces and opportunities where artists can collaborate and learn from one another  fostering partnerships with other organisations and community groups aligned with our vision  recognizing and encouraging excellence in visual art through granting of awards and distinctions Our Values MGA recognizes the importance of ethical conduct and commits to:  conduct itself with the highest level of integrity and fairness  offer fair and equitable access to MGA art shows, juried shows, sales, events, projects and programming  engage respectfully with diverse artists of all abilities, ethnicities, backgrounds and beliefs  recognizing the value of artists work, encouraging fair remuneration and recognition.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The Markham Group of Artists is committed to supporting a culture of respect and well-being for our Members by ensuring they have a safe and respectful environment.

To foster this, MGA has zero tolerance for abusive behaviour towards our members.

Abusive behaviour can be in any form (in writing, on the phone, in-person, etc.) and may include:

• Personal attacks or rude and disparaging remarks regarding MGA members;

• Use of obscenities, profanities, degrading comments, insults, vulgar or sexist language, humiliating remarks or racial/religious slurs;

• Shouting or raised voices;

• Bullying behaviour;

• Intimidation of any kind;

• Persistent repetitive communications making unrealistic demands.

Abusive behaviour constitutes grounds for the MGA to modify how it interacts with the individual.

Where necessary and in ongoing circumstances, the MGA may choose to discontinue the abusive members Membership.