THE MARKHAM GROUP OF ARTISTS AND THE VARLEY ART GALLERY OF MARKHAM
Celebrate the art of plein air painting and highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Unionville, home to renowned Group of Seven painter: Fred Varley.
What is Plein Air?
“En plein air” painting, is the act of painting outdoors in the open air which was a central practice of many artists associated with French Impressionism.
What is a Plein Air Festival?
A public celebration of the arts, featuring a Plein Air painting competition for artists who find inspiration from the local scenery, and create artistic representations reflecting the flavour of the community.
Participating artists will be painting throughout Main Street Unionville and the surrounding public areas on Saturday, June 13th.
The Event:
- Competing artists will be painting throughout Main Street Unionville and the surrounding public areas on Saturday, June 13th, 2026.
- Cash prizes awarded for First, Second and Third place paintings, Best Architecture, Best Natural Feature, Fred Varley Award - Best Human Interest. A gift card for the Peoples Choice Award will be presented by the UBIA.
- Professional model posed in McKay Garden.
- Art Show, Awards and Sale
Our Juror:
RACHEL D’OLIVEIRA FELL
Rachel D. Fell is the Public Programs Coordinator at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. With over a decade of experience in theatre and culture sectors - including roles at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection - she specializes in building partnerships and creating engaging, accessible arts experiences.
Rachel holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, Art History, and visual arts from York University.
Prizes
FIRST PRIZE | $350 |
SECOND PRIZE | $250 |
THIRD PRIZE | $150 |
HONOURABLE MENTIONS - $100 EACH
BEST ARCHITECTURE | $100 | |
BEST NATURAL FEATURE | $100 | |
FRED VARLEY AWARD - HUMAN INTEREST | $100 | |
PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD | GIFT CARD PRESENTED BY THE UNIONVILLE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION |
SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 13th
9:00 am - 11:00 am | Artist Welcome & Check In - Varley Art Gallery. Registered Artists will receive a welcome package including: a snack, schedule, water bottle, & name tag. Canvases are stamped. Painting begins and continues throughout the day in Unionville. |
9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Open Painting |
11:00 pm-2:00 pm | A professional model will be posed in the garden behind the McKay Art Center for artists to paint. |
2:00 pm- 3:00 pm | ART SUBMISSIONS: Competing artists submit ONE painting for judging. Doors close at 3pm sharp. |
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Deacon room is closed for art installation and judging. |
5:30 pm | GALLERY OPENS! |
6:30 pm | Artist Awards, Juried Competition Prizes |
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | PUBLIC SHOW AND SALE - Varley Art Gallery, Deacon Room The art show opens to the public for viewing and sales. |
7:45 pm | People’s Choice Award is revealed |
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Artwork Collection - All purchases and unsold artwork to be collected by artists and collectors. |
REGISTRATION DATES:
Markham Group of Artists Members:
Early Registration April 2-5th
Non-Members and Members:
Registration April 6th - April 30th
Members | $45 |
Non-Members | $55 |
Artist Registration and Instructions Here
