Finnish American Heritage Center fall 2017 event calendar

The Finnish American Heritage Center has finalized an incredible lineup of events this fall, and it all kicks off this week with the third annual Festival Ruska. Events include concerts, speakers, enrichment classes and more.

Festival Ruska 2017

Inspired by what the Finns call “ruska” this set of events celebrates the Keweenaw’s Finnish history and beautiful color season.

• Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1-4 p.m., Book Signing by Meredith Fuller at North Wind Books
• Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2 p.m., Presentation on U.P. Dialect by Professor Wil Rankinen
• Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., French-Canadian Dance featuring Thimbleberry Band
• Thursday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m., Bakers and Books at North Wind Books
• Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Festival Ruska Mölkky Tournament at Quincy Green
• Friday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m., Festival Ruska Bad Movie Night at Wargelin Hall
• Saturday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Porvoo Choir at Calumet Theatre

Learn more about Festival Ruska at finlandia.edu/ruska.

Nordic Film Series

At 2 and 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of most months the Finnish American Heritage Center hosts a movie celebrating the area’s Nordic history. These events are free and open to the public, though donations are accepted.

• Thursday, October 12 featuring “3 Simoa”
• Thursday, November 9 featuring “Co-operatively Yours”

Community Enrichment Courses

Finland’s going to celebrate its 100th birthday later this year, and what better present than to learn to speak their language? Or, how about learning a traditional Finnish handcraft or exploring modern-day Finland? Check out these unique opportunities.

• Beginning Finnish
• Intermediate Finnish
• Finland in the 21st Century
• Beginning Spinning (fiber arts)
• Kantele group
• Youth dancers

Learn more by visiting the enrichment courses page on the Finnish American Heritage Center site.

Gallery Openings

The Finlandia University Gallery brings in some of the highest regarded Finnish and Finnish American artists for unique exhibits. These exhibits always include a reception, which is free and open to the public.

• Satu Miettinen , Taina Kontio and Riitta Ikonen: Moved By Nature, Opening Reception: Thursday, September 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Exhibit Period: September 21 to October 14
• Rita Jokiranta: Beyond Horizons, Opening Reception: Thursday, October 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m., artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m., Exhibit Period: October 19 to December 1
• 27th Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series Exhibition, Kristin Pavelka: Kahvipaussi, Opening Reception: Thursday, December 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m., artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m., Exhibit Period: December 7, 2017 to January 13, 2018

Learn more about the Finlandia University Gallery by visiting finlandia.edu/universitygallery.

Presentations and Celebrations

• Monday October 16, 3 p.m., “Jewish Culture in Finland Before World War II” by Yale Storm of Hot Pstromi. The group will then play at the Calumet Theatre that night. Full information to come shortly.
• Sunday, December 3, Finnish Independence Day Celebration – Mark your calendar for this event, which should be truly memorable as the Copper Country celebrates Finland’s 100^th Additional details to be announced. Please note that the date and time of the actual celebration are subject to change. 

Follow the Finnish American Heritage Center on Facebook for updates on all of these events as they approach.