For many Canadians born since the Second World War, Alfred Joseph (A.J.) Casson was the public face and our best known connection with a movement that defined Canadian art for more than a generation - The Group of Seven. Casson, the man, was much more than that.

A.J. Casson: Behind the Scenes, which opens at Markham's Varley Art Gallery in Unionville April 2, 2006, explores not only Casson's art, but looks beyond his contribution at the easel to sketch a portrait of one of Canadian art's most staunch supporters. The exhibition has some of his best work in watercolour and oil and for the first time brings his commercial work together with his artwork in the same exhibition. Curator Christopher Jackson said "The show gives the most complete picture of Casson's contribution to both fields to date."

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With a particular focus on the art of portraiture, The Varley Art Gallery on Main Street in historic Unionville features innovative public programs and new exhibitions. The gallery's permanent collection includes the work of one of Canada's foremost portrait artists, Frederick H. Varley, in whose honour the gallery is named, and works by his fellow members of Canada's famed Group of Seven.

Contact: John Ryerson, Gallery Director
905-477-9511 ext 233
jryerson@markham.ca