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Varley Volunteers

The Varley Art Gallery is a wonderful place to volunteer!

Our volunteers are the life and soul of the Varley Gallery, and there is an opportunity for everyone!


  1. Download an Application Package – General Volunteers
  2. Download an Application Package – Student Volunteers
  3. Current Volunteer Opportunities

Special Event Volunteers

Each year, the Varley-McKay Art Foundation presents two major fundraising events, the Fine Art Auction and Homes for the Holidays.  Volunteers are always needed to greet guests, act as information guides, hand out programs, assist with set up/clean up, and other various activities.

If you are interested in assisting with one of our events, contact Francesca Amato-Gauci FAmato-Gauci@markham.ca 905-477-9511 ext. 224

Studio Monitors

If you have a passion for art and enjoy working with children, then you may wish to volunteer during our Art Classes, Camps, Birthday Parties and Free Art Activity days!  As a studio monitor, you will provide support to the art instructor and assist children with their art activities.  This is a great opportunity for Student Volunteers, as all volunteer hours are credited!  Contact Francesca Amato-Gauci FAmato-Gauci@markham.ca 905-477-9511 ext.224.

Behind the Scenes Volunteers

Do you prefer to assist with mailings, telephoning, researching or organizing?  Behind the Scenes volunteers do just that, and more!  Different skills are required depending on the task at hand.  No specific time commitment is required, so if you would like to help out occasionally and/or have an interest in administration within an art gallery, please contact Francesca Amato-Gauci FAmato-Gauci@markham.ca 905-477-9511 ext.224.

Gallery Guides (Docents)

Are you interested in Art and Art History?  Do you have a interest in Education?  Are you considering a career in an artistic field?  Become a Varley Gallery Docent!  Our Docents conduct interactive, discussion-based tours of the permanent collection and temporary exhibition for a variety of age groups.  You are expected to be up to date with new exhibition information.  Information will be provided by the Education Coordinator, but docents are expected to contribute information at scheduled training sessions.

Docents are trained volunteers who donate their time and energy educating classes of students, families and adult groups in the art gallery.

While Docents are often self motivated, it is the gallery’s responsibility to adequately prepare them, through ongoing training, to convey the institutes message, to entertain and enlighten.

Who can apply?
Enthusiastic, people – oriented individuals, who have a sincere interest in introducing children and adults to Canadian art and the Varley collection.

What does a docent do?
During the 2009/2010 school year, the Varley educators and docents provided interactive tours and hands – on art programs, for many students and adult visitors.

Do you need any Special education or training?
No, but having an interest in art, visual culture and lifelong learning are important. We provide on going training.

What type of training does a docent receive?
Future docents attend docent training which introduces them to the permanent art collection and basic tour techniques. Docents then follow tours with established docents/educators and research the topics covered by the training.

What kind of a commitment will I have to make?
The weekday docent program runs until September until June with the exception of school holidays. In addition to meetings, training session once a month, weekday docents are expected to be available 2 – 4 hrs a week to observe or conduct tours. Docents may choose the day most convenient for them. They are expected to be well prepared and reliable. Since being a docent requires a substantial amount of training and dedication.

What do I get in return for being a docent?
A docents job is a rewarding and challenging volunteer position. It is an excellent way to learn more about art and education, to be in a cultural environment, interact with the public and to be an important part of a like – minded team.

We encourage you to apply!

To become a Docent, contact Francesca Amato-Gauci, FAmato-Gauci@markham.ca 905-477-9511 ext.224.