Contemporary Finnish-American Artists Retrospective Exhibit

The year 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the Contemporary Finnish-American Artist Series at the Finlandia University Gallery in Hancock, Michigan.

To celebrate the first two decades of this special exhibition, the Finlandia University Gallery is arranging a 20-year retrospective exhibition to premier at the Gallery in December 2011. Following, the university anticipates the arrangement of a traveling exhibition, which will appear at additional U.S. venues.

The long-running series is the only art exhibition of its kind in the U.S.

The exhibit showcases the work of prominent Finnish-American artists and designers, and has meaningfully advanced the appreciation of fine art and design within the Finnish American community. Inspiration found in their Finnish ancestry plays a strong role in the work of these artists. Some draw from stories of Finland heard in their youth, while others incorporate life lessons from their immigrant grandparents. Some summon the strong connection to nature so prominent in Finland, and others are influenced by the strength of contemporary Finnish art and culture.

In turn, these talented artists have inspired Finlandia University students and faculty.

Carrie Flaspohler
Director, Finlandia University Gallery
carrie.flaspohler@finlandia.edu