Unionville Plein Air Festival
PRE – EVENT SCHEDULE:
Registration and Selection
Presented by the Markham Group of Artists & The Varley Art Gallery
Celebrating Unionville’s Artistic Heritage
Join us in celebrating the art of Plein Air Painting! This festival highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Main Street Unionville, home to renowned Group of Seven painter Fred Varley. We aim to foster community engagement, artistic expression, and an appreciation for Canada’s landscape painting legacy.
Monday, January 5th 2026 | FESTIVAL LAUNCH
- The event website goes live, full information is published and the social media campaign begins. Artists across Canada are invited to participate.
Monday, February 2nd 2026 | Juried Competition Registration Opens
- Artists can submit an application to compete. Requirements include a CV, bio, social media links, work samples and a $45 submission fee.
Friday, March 13th 2026 | Juried Competition Submission Deadline
- Registration closes. Submissions are reviewed, artwork is juried, and the team selects the top 50 artists.
Friday, March 27th 2026 | Artist Notification
- Juried artists are notified and sent a registration form, a payment link for the competition fee ($50), and the official rules. A waiting list will also be created.
Monday, April 6th 2026 | “Quick Paint” Registration Opens
- Registration for the non-juried “Quick Paint” competition. The fee is $25 with some proceeds donated to the Markham Food Bank. Registration is capped at 50 artists.
Event Schedule Painting Days: Wednesday, June 10 – Saturday June 13
Wednesday, June 10th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM| Artist Welcome & Check In
- Varley Art Gallery: Registered Artists receive a gift bag, schedule, suggested locations & name tags. Canvases are stamped.
Thursday, June 11th| 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Painting Continues Throughout Unionville
- Artist Hospitality Space open at the Deacon Room (Varley Art Gallery) with refreshments and snacks. Professional Models will pose on Main Street for artist.
Thursday, June 11th | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Artists Meet and Greet
- A casual evening with complimentary light fare and beverage, held at the Deacon Room, Varley Art Gallery.
Friday, June 12th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Open Painting
- Open Painting and Painting Demonstrations will be scheduled throughout the day.
Friday, June 12th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM WILD CARD EVENT
- The public is invited to Plein Air paint on Main Street. The winning artist, selected by MGA President Linda Kalianteris at 1pm, will have their painting entered into the official competition.
Competition & Public Weekend
Saturday, June 13th | 10:00 AM |Public Activities
- Historical walks, live musicians, and painting demonstrations for artists, art lovers and collectors.
Saturday, June 13th | BY NOON – ART SUBMISSIONS.
- Competing artists submit up to 2 paintings for judging.
Saturday, June 13th | 1:30 – 4:30 PM | Quick Paint Competition
- Check in by 1:30pm for a stamped canvas. Artists have 2 hours to create their piece on Main Street. Art must be submitted for judging by 3:30 pm.
Saturday, June 13th | 4:00PM | Quick Paint Winner Announced
- Prize: $200
Saturday, June 13th | 7 – 9 PM – GALA: “The Reveal”
- Private evening for sponsors, invited guests, volunteers and award winners. Features: awards presentation, judges’ remarks and early sales.
- Juried Competition Prizes: 1st: $2000, 2nd: $1500, 3rd: $1000
- Five Category Prizes of $200 each plus the “Mayor’s Choice” Award.
Sunday, June 14th | 11:00 AM - Noon | Artist Preview
- An exclusive opportunity for artists and volunteers to preview the show and hear the final remarks from the judge.
Sunday, June 14th | Noon – 5 PM |Public Show & Sale + Artists’ Market
- Varley Art Gallery - The art show opens to the public for viewing and sales.
- 2:00pm – 5:00pm - Competing artists are also invited to sell additional work created during the event at a separate Artists’ Market Location.
Sunday, June 14th | 5:00 – 6 :00 PM | Artwork Collection
- All purchases and unsold artwork to be collected by artists and collectors.