When does art cross the border from the land of its inspiration to the land of its creation? When is art "Canadian" art?

In answer to these questions, the Varley Gallery on Main Street in Unionville presents a stunning new show, Canadian Artists Without Borders. The exhibition features 37 new works by 22 artists from 17 countries who are now living in Canada. Many of the artists live in the GTA. Some live as far away as B.C. None of the artists has lived in Canada for more than 10 years.

"The challenge of finding the artists has been rewarded by an astounding breadth of work," says Gallery Director John Ryerson. Ryerson says the Varley is deeply committed to supporting Canadian artists, and goes on to say that he believes this art by newcomers to this country is, emphatically, "Canadian art".

The jury which chose the works for this exhibition includes Dr Anna Hudson from York University; artist Farouk Kaspaules from Ottawa, and Dr Astri Wright from the University of Victoria.

Their choices reflect diverse artistic viewpoints in diverse materials - bronze, multimedia sculpture, etchings, paintings, sketches - one of the works includes three charcoal figure drawings on paper that stretches three stories high. And each piece helps further expand or redefine what is meant by "Canadian" art.

Canadian Artists Without Borders is the first exhibition of the Varley's year-long 10th anniversary celebrations. The exhibit is on display at the Varley Gallery from January 28 until May 13.

Media preview and artist interviews available Thursday January 25.

Exhibition opening Sunday January 28, 2-4pm, with opening remarks by Hon Mike Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Special performance by Sinead Sugrue from her upcoming role as Violetta in Opera York's production of la Traviata.

Also opening that day is an exhibition of work by Rody Kenny Courtice (1895-1973) a first-ever retrospective that celebrates her significant contribution to Canadian art. Together these two exhibitions at the Varley tell a compelling story of Canadian art.

Click here for a complete viewing of the works online. www.varleygallery.ca

For more information or to arrange a media preview and interview:
John Ryerson, Director
The Varley Art Gallery
216 Main St
Unionville, ON L3R 2H1
905-477-9511