Art on the go: 5 art galleries in York Region worth checking out

Audio, self-guided tours available at art galleries, museums in Aurora, Vaughan, Unionville and Markham

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 9, 2020
Amanda Persico

Escape the everyday with these interactive, online and in-person art galleries and exhibits.

Varley Art Gallery -- Markham

Enjoy a free, 45-minute, pre-booked, self-guided tour. Current exhibits include 197 Main St., a contextual look at F.H. Varley basement studio in Unionville and the Ties that Bind Us, a visual storytelling exhibit where artwork is arranged to create an intangible narrative thread.

Aurora Cultural Centre -- Aurora

Take Flight 2 during this free, virtual exhibit featuring drawings of butterflies and sculptures of dancers -- both delicate and strong. Enhance your gallery experience with Art Bytes, a collection of curated activities and videos, including a behind-the-scenes look and kids' butterfly crafts.  

Markham Museum -- Markham

Revel in local history at the Markham Museum, which is opened for free, pre-booked, self-guided tours of buildings and gardens. Use your mobile phone to scan a QR code to learn about the heritage structures. The museum also hosts a collection of online exhibits.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection -- Vaughan

Meander your way through the works of Tom Thompson, the Group of Seven and various other Canadian artists. The gallery is open for pre-booked, self-guided tours. Patrons can download and listen to a pre-recorded audio tour of the grounds and public art outside.

Skylight Gallery -- Aurora

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During online gallery exhibit, see how local students reflect on Remembrance Day. The monthly online exhibition features the artwork of a number of students of varying ages from across York Region, all revolving around the meaning of Remembrance Day.