fbpx
Students in field

Archives

Sharon Franklin-Rahkonen, Ph.D.
January 23, 2023

Franklin-Rahkonen named new chair of Finnish Council of America

Dr. Sharon Franklin-Rahkonen has been named the new leader of the Finnish Council of America at Finlandia University. Franklin-Rahkonen will serve as council chair, a position previously held by John Niska, who will now lead outreach on behalf of the organization.

After serving on the council’s board for many years and as secretary on its executive committee, Franklin-Rahkonen shared appreciation and insight into the council’s initiatives moving forward.

“I am very pleased to be asked to head the Finnish Council. We look [...]

January 16, 2023

FAHC to show ‘Sirkka: Past and Present’ at Martha Wiljanen Hall during Heikinpäivä 2023 | Trailer

Sirkka Tuomi Holm was born just days before women earned the right to vote in the United States, a point her father considered vitally important and reminded her of it frequently. Her activism started then, and didn’t ever stop.

Holm, who died in October 2020 at age 100, was a walking, talking, living history book. From her grandfather fighting for the Reds during the Finnish Civil War, to her immigrant parents’ involvement in labor strikes, to being trailed by the FBI [...]

Heikinpaiva 2023 Poster
January 12, 2023

Heikinpäivä 2023 Festival Schedule

A Finnish-American Mid-Winter Festival Until February 14

Snowflake Challenge with Ginger Alberti |1:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Sew Cranky Heikinpäivä Snowflake Challenge project, for everyone, beginners too! Learn to quickly sew a pattern on a black felt square (with an antique hand crank sewing machine), which is then entered into the contest with cash and gift certificate prizes! $3 to enter. All ages. Winners in all skill levels. If bringing a group, or with general questions please call (818) 606-0065.

January 11 & [...]

ISMO live at Finlandia's Hirvonen Hall
January 5, 2023

Finlandia to host Finnish comedy sensation ISMO

Tickets on sale now

Finlandia University will host stand-up comedian ISMO on February 17 and 18 for two shows. Tickets are on sale now.

The widely acclaimed comedian and Youtuber was named 2014’s Funniest Person in the World in his U.S. debut at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. ISMO has been called “the most insightful comic in Finland” and as a new resident in the United States, ISMO continues to be the ultimate observer. His uniquely observational comedy makes [...]

Bonnie Peterson, Upper Peninsula, 50" H x 48" W, Embroidery and heat transfers of upper Michigan and Lake Superior maps, painted and embroidered with stories from ski and kayak trips, photographs on silk, satin, velvet and brocade, stitched.
December 27, 2022

Gallery to return in January with Bonnie Peterson exhibit

Fiber artist Bonnie Peterson’s exhibit, Word Count, will open on January 9 as the Finlandia University Gallery returns to operations. The exhibit will run until February 15, 2023.

“I couldn’t be more excited to begin our new gallery season with Houghton artist Bonnie Peterson,” Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler said. “The Copper Country is a stronghold of art and culture and Finlandia University Gallery is honored to display the work of an incredibly talented local artist as it relaunches operations.”

Peterson is a [...]

December 23, 2022

Folk School announces winter 2023 classes

The Finnish American Folk School has released its winter 2023 class schedule! Established by the Finnish American Heritage Center and led by Phyllis Fredendall and Clare Zuraw, the Finnish American Folk School exists to ensure that Finnish-American folk traditions exist for centuries to come.

Subscribe to their newsletter today!

Winter 2023 Classes

Click on each class title for more information and online registration. As with all of our classes, advanced registration is required. Need financial assistance? A limited number of scholarships are [...]

Kalevalathon
December 21, 2022

Explore the Finnish epic Kalevala at Finlandia University

Finlandia’s Finnish & Nordic Studies program invites students and auditors to explore the history of Kalevala.

Immortalized as Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala encapsulates ancient Finnish folk traditions. The course details the historical development of the Kalevala poetry tradition, its development and structure as a literary work, its use as an anthropological text, and its use as a political and cultural icon of Finnish identity.

Teaching the class will be Finlandia’s Associate Professor of Finnish & Nordic Studies, Dr. Hilary-Joy [...]

Gallery installation of 31st Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series Exhibition:
December 6, 2022

Anonymous donation sparks relaunch of Finlandia University Gallery

A recent donation to the Finlandia University Gallery will carry on the legacy and promotion of Finnish-American artists with the continuation of all operations and functions. The donor, who chose to remain anonymous at this time, was joined by an abundance of support from local community members.

“I am so thrilled to be able to continue providing contemporary art exhibits for our campus, community, and alumni,” Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler said. “There has been an outpouring of affirmation from people that [...]

Lotta Hagfors
November 30, 2022

A busy winter ahead for Finnish American Folk School

The Finnish American Folk School has released its early winter newsletter! Established by the Finnish American Heritage Center and led by Phyllis Fredendall and Clare Zuraw, the Finnish American Folk School exists to ensure that Finnish-American folk traditions exist for centuries to come.

Subscribe Today!

It’s hard to believe, but we have just one more workshop left on our 2022 calendar before the new year begins. Finnish musician Lotta Hagfors will teach an online singing workshop for the FAFS December 10-11. [...]

Finnish Independence Day Celebration 2021
November 29, 2022

Finland’s Independence to be celebrated at Finlandia University

One of the Copper Country’s longest-standing cultural traditions will continue at Finlandia University on the evening of Tuesday, December 6, when the Finnish-founded school hosts its annual celebration of Finland’s Independence Day. The university has commemorated the establishment of the Republic of Finland each year since Finland achieved independence in 1917.

The public is invited to the event, which gets under way at 6 p.m. at Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center. The evening’s schedule includes performances by the Kivajat Dancers [...]

FinnU will not enroll students for 2023-2024Learn More
+