Village Squire, 1977-12, Page 38PEOP'LE
If you're the grandson of one of the
nation's most famous artists. an interest in
art would seem to come naturally. So it's
no surprise that Christopher Varley should
be involved in the art world. He's the
grandson of Group of Seven member
Frederick Varley who died in 1969. Varley
is now a Stratford resident after accepting
the post of assistant director of The
Gallery/Stratford.
The 27 -year-old is a native of Vancouver
but lived in Toronto from age 1 to 14 when
his family moved to the west coast again.
He's spent the last two and a half years as
assistant curator of the Vancouver Art
Gallery.
His grandfather's fame directly contrib-
uted to Christopher becoming involved in
the art work. He originally intended a
different career and was doing graduate
work in Middle Eastern history when he
ran short of money. He sold one of his
grandfather's paintings for $25,000 and
was so staggered by the amount that he
decided to abandon his studies and
specialize in art. Not that he's in the
business for the money. Before coming
to Stratford he'd lined up five art shows on
a free-lance basis, each taking four to six
months to organize and he would have
been lucky to get $2500 per show.
Varley has heard good things about The
Gallery from friends in other galleries and
the Canada Council. "This gallery" is
highly rated, he says. "They don't just
change the lighting on the permanent
collection. There's an active program
here."
He says he realizes there are financial
problems at The Gallery and the
permanent collection is not large but there
are good facilities and the grounds provide
an excellent opportunity to display
sculpture. By comparison. he says some
galleries have no grounds at all.
Varley has written a book on his
grandfather for the National Gallery of
Canada and in Vancouver gave 15 minute
radio talks on B.C. artists and arranged a
half-hour weekly television show based on
lectures at Vancouver Art Gallery.
In Stratford, he says, he wants to meet
local artists before making proposals to the
Gallery. He replaces Lois Collinge who
Are you receiving more than one copy of
Village Squire?
As with all large subscription lists some
duplications can arise. If you are. please
send us the address label so that we can
cancel it.
Send to: Village Squire, RR 3, Blyth, Ont.
NOM I HO.
TRY AN ORGAN
THE PULSIFER WAY
#1 Take 2 Free lessons on our organ with several practice
sessions at the store.
#2 Have a modern organ in your home for 4 weeks with 5 Free
lessons included for only $25.00 total cost. No obligations to
buy: money refunded If purchase made.
Participants in either plan get a chance to draw for a
$200.00 credit toward any organ purchase.
50 Free Lessons are given with all organs sold here. Adults
of any age [retired persons especially welcome] can register
for either plan [with the exception of present home organ
owners]. Free lesson at our Seaforth and Goderich location.
Names must be in by December 23rd to qualify for the
S200.00 credit.
Check our large selection of quality keyboards.
'PULSIFER MUSIC
Seaforth Phone 527-0053
36. VILLAGE SQUIRE/DECEMBER 1977.
FROM
I HANDICRAFT
QT
FLOWER SHOP
mtaosm atvagafsstrzclsat
POINSETTIAS, MUMS, CACTUS,
BEGONIAS, DISH GARDENS,
TROPICAL & GREEN PLANTS,
HANGING POTS, DRIED & SILK
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS.
WINGHAM PHONE 357-2023
GIFTS FOR
THE HOME...
•pictures & wall decorations tl
•lamps & cushions
•bathroom accessories
•bedspreads, table linens
Treuti INTERIORS
151 Main St. W., Listowel
gt.
1