Varley Art Gallery of Markham Hosts Opening Reception for 2025 Summer Exhibition

MARKHAM, ON – May 15, 2025 – Join the City of Markham and the Varley Art Gallery of Markham on Saturday, May 24 for the opening reception of its new summer exhibition, Between the Current and the Echo, featuring Z’otz* Collective.

Event details:

• Summer Exhibition Opening Reception
• Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
• Time: 2 to 4 PM
• Location: Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main Street Unionville
• Admission: Free

Event highlights:

• Talk by exhibiting artist Z’otz* Collective
• Live Latin music by Toronto-based singer/songwriter Amanda Martinez
• Family-friendly hands-on activities
• Light refreshments

RSVP to the opening reception.

Between the Current and the Echo

Image: Z'otz* Collective, Rope of Thought, 2025 mixed media on paper, 38 × 56 cm. Courtesy of the artists.

This summer, the Varley Art Gallery presents Z’otz* Collective, a multidisciplinary trio composed of Nahúm Flores, Erik Jerezano, and Ilyana Martínez.  

Of Latin American heritage, they merge drawing, painting, ceramics, and animation to create playful, storytelling-driven works that blend tradition with contemporary experimentation. Their art features bold lines, surreal imagery, and hybrid creatures inspired by mythologies, fables, and Pre-Hispanic art forms. Since 2004, the Collective has developed a unique communal process, passing works between members to build layered, evolving compositions.  

Between the Current and the Echo foregrounds Z’otz* Collective’s commitment to co-creation, rejecting the notion of the solitary artist in favour of a collaborative, ever-evolving process rooted in spontaneity and exchange.

This exhibition, curated by Varley Art Gallery’s Anik Glaude, will be on display at the Varley Art Gallery from May 24 to September 1, 2025.

Image: (top) Z'otz* Collective, The Vegetarian Poet, 2025 mixed media on paper, 38 × 56 cm. Courtesy of the artists. (bottom) Z'otz* Collective, The Season has Arrived, 2025 mixed media on paper, 38 × 56 cm. Courtesy of the artists.

Associated Programs

Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception 

Saturday, May 24 | 2 to 4 PM | Free | Registration not required  

Be among the first to experience our 2025 Summer Exhibitions. Explore vibrant artworks by Z'otz* Collective while enjoying live Latin music, light refreshments, along with engaging hands-on activities for all ages. Connect with the artists during an insightful gallery talk as they share the inspiration behind their work. It’s an afternoon of creativity, connection, and celebration.

Lunch and Learn with Z'otz* Collective

Wednesday, June 11 | 12:30 to 1:30 PM | Free | Online | Registration required

Join us for a virtual artist’s talk with Z’otz* Collective. Learn about their collaborative creative process, cultural inspirations, and dynamic storytelling through drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.

Make Your Mark: Artist Workshop with Z’otz* Collective

Saturday, June 28 | 2 PM | Free | Registration required

Take part in this collaborative workshop. Using crayons, markers, and collage materials, participants will create whimsical creatures and scenes through fast-paced, imaginative exercises. As drawings are passed around the table, each person adds a fun twist. Open to all skill levels.

Chai & Write: Summer Joys with Sheniz Janmohamed

Sunday, July 13 | 2 to 4 PM | Free | Online | Registration required

Join local arts educator and poet, Sheniz Janmohamed, for a summer edition of Chai & Write. This reflective workshop invites participants to explore the season’s warmth through creative prompts and poetic expression. Enjoy a guided tour of the Varley’s latest exhibitions, write list poems inspired by summer memories, and take a colour walk through Toogood Pond to create your own nature art. No writing experience required.

Art Bus: Tour with Z'otz* Collective

Sunday, August 3 | 1 to 4 PM | Free | Registration required

Hop on the Art Bus for a trip from Toronto to the Varley to explore the works of Z’otz* Collective! Enjoy a comfortable ride, a guided tour led by the exhibiting artists, and a return trip downtown—all in one afternoon. The bus will depart from the Royal Ontario Museum at 1 PM sharp, and will leave the Varley Art Gallery at 3:30 PM to return downtown.

Quotes:

“The Varley Art Gallery’s latest exhibition reflects the collaborative and imaginative spirit that defines the City of Markham,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Drawing on themes of mythology, transformation, and migration, their art speaks to the rich cultural stories that shape our diverse community. We’re proud to support exhibitions that foster creativity, connection, and dialogue among residents and visitors alike.”

“Between the Current and the Echo is a compelling example of the Varley Art Gallery’s role as an important site for artistic excellence and cultural dialogue,” said Niamh O’Laoghaire, Director of Varley Art Gallery. “This exhibition embodies the bold, playful, and thought-provoking spirit that defines our programming. As the only public art gallery in Markham, we are proud to lead the way in fostering inclusive, high-quality exhibitions that resonate with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve. We continue to set the standard for cultural innovation in York Region and beyond.”

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About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 370,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high-tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

About the Varley Art Gallery of Markham: The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is a vital cultural hub for artists and diverse communities, creating meaningful conversations about Canadian art and society. The Varley inspires local and regional audiences to engage with art through outstanding exhibitions and rich public and educational programs relevant to the communities we serve. We support artists from York region and seek to broaden access to the arts for diverse artists and cultural groups. We also share and celebrate the life and work of F. H. Varley– a founding member of the Group of Seven –and other artists who have shaped artistic practice in Canada. The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is located at 216 Main Street Unionville. 

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.