Art Auction is up nearly 20% over last year raising money for the Varley Art Gallery of Markham.

Markham, ON, April 21, 2009: The 11th Annual Varley Fine Art Auction took place in the Varley Art Gallery on Thursday, May 14th, located on the Main Street of historic Unionville. The highlight of the Art Auction was the live auction, where over 100 original, Canadian artworks selected by prestigious art galleries in Toronto and the GTA were auctioned in the Main Gallery. More than 350 guests from Markham and area gathered to support the programs and collection of the Varley Art Gallery.

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation extends sincere thanks to the guests, presenting sponsors, silent auction donors, local restaurants and winery, private art galleries and individual artists who contributed essential elements of this highly successful experience. A special debt of gratitude is owed to IBM, our signature sponsor.

Event Chair and board member Patrick Carr noted, “We are thrilled with the support from the community and the support from our sponsors and volunteers. This happy end to a year of volunteer and staff team effort is due largely to generous art buyers who recognized the high quality of this year’s live auction. The Varley Art Gallery is an amazing jewel in the middle of Markham that delights visitors again and again.”

Since 1997, the Varley Art Gallery has featured one of the largest public collections of art by Frederick Horsman Varley, an original member of the renowned Group of Seven painters. In addition to the permanent exhibition of famed Canadian artists, the Varley Art Gallery features nationally-acclaimed exhibitions, both historical and contemporary. The Varley Art Gallery runs an extensive art education program for both adults and children, and organizes art exhibits for local artists and regional student competitions.

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation serves to support the Varley Art Gallery through funding exhibitions, education programs and development of the collection.