Algoma connected artist exhibition

NEWS RELEASE

VARLEY GALLERY

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TORONTO - A new exhibition at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham celebrates the artist Frederick Varley and gives a fresh perspective on the man, his work, and his legacy in Canadian art.

Fred Varley (1881-1969), whose work has been described as "astonishingly beautiful and astonishingly human," was one of the great portrait painters of the twentieth century.

Despite his accomplishments as a portraitist, Varley has always been better known for his landscape paintings and his association with the Group of Seven.

Now, for the first time, Fred Varley's extraordinary portraits will be the subject of a major exhibition.

F.H. Varley: Portraits Into the Light includes 87 original portraits and some remarkable oral histories collected from Fred Varley's descendants, friends, students, and portrait subjects from across Canada.

The exhibit features works which have never been seen before, including several that before now were considered "lost."

Fred Varley was an artist who had a profound understanding of human nature and a keen sense of observation; he responded strongly to the personality of the sitter.

Of the portraits on display in the exhibition, curator Katerina Atanassova observes, "I think people will discover an artist and painter of such powerful originality that it makes it difficult to compare him to anyone else - Varley stands alone."

F.H. Varley: Portraits Into the Light opens this weekend at the Varley Gallery and continues throughout the summer months before touring nationally.

A full-colour, hardcover book authored by Atanassova and featuring many of the works on display is being published by Dundurn Press to complement the exhibition.

Also accompanying the exhibition are extensive programs for children, families, and art lovers of all ages.

Portraits into the Light is the key exhibition of the Varley Gallery's 10th-anniversary-year celebrations.

The exhibition runs from May 26 to September 3, 2007.

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is located on Unionville's historic Main Street.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

During July and August, it's open daily.

This exhibition is part of "Markham Celebrates Culture," and for information about family programs, festivals, and events, visit www.varleygallery.com.

F.H. Varley: Portraits Into the Light is supported by Presenting Sponsor RBC Royal Bank, Canadian Heritage MAP program, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the McKay Varley Art Foundation.

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Pictured: Frederick Varley self-portrait painted shortly following his service in World War I as an official war artist.

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