Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Culture in Finland
Art with a Finnish background
By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Nelimarkka Museum
With a rural and calm setting, a visit to the Nelimarkka Museum in the small town of Alajärvi in Finland is a great way to discover contemporary art. Nelimarkka Museum was opened in 1964 by the painter Eero Nelimarkka. “He had a dream to establish an art school and a museum, and believed that art education and the possibility to see art should be available to everybody,” says museum director Elina Alkio. Today, this hidden gem is the Regional Art Museum of Southern Ostrobothnia, displaying the work of Nelimarkka as well as other international and national painters. With workshops and events organised for the public throughout the year, as well as their own artist-in-residence programme, they are maintaining a strong focus on art education. “As well as getting inspired by the surroundings, the artists on the programme also engage with the local community during their stay by hosting various
events such as workshops, open studios and small exhibitions,” says Alkio. Located in the middle of nature with a peaceful and quiet environment, Nelimarkka Museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions with guided tours. Within the premises, guests can also visit a small gift shop and a café. The current permanent exhibition, Masters
Together, showcases the work and life of Nelimarkka and architect Alvar Aalto, who both had strong connections to Alajärvi throughout their lives. “Nelimarkka was fascinated by his surrounding scenery, so when you visit us you can see the characteristic landscape not only in his paintings, but also all around you,” says Alkio proudly. Web: www.nelimarkka-museo.fi
Left: A Rising Woman by Eero Nelimarkka from 1922. Middle: Self-portrait by Eero Nelimarkka from 1922.
A village of attractions for every taste and mood Surrounded by vast forests, lakes and fields lies Fiskars Village, a versatile destination offering everything from first-class art and design exhibitions and music events, to boutiques with handmade souvenirs, local food, workshops and cosy hotels – all contributing to an unforgettable experience for visitors of all kinds.
ing activities and experiences for the whole family, every season.
By: Åsa Hedvig Aaberge | Photos: Fiskars Village
Fiskars Village is an authentic Finnish village founded in 1649 and with many of its rustic, old buildings still intact. It is the ultimate destination for culture vultures, food lovers and anyone interested in history, nature and architecture. “You can really feel the artisan atmosphere present everywhere, from the historical buildings and surroundings and the hand-picked flavours in the food and drinks, to the nature trails, the playground and the small boutiques and workshops,” says marketing coordinator Elisabeth Blomqvist. Fiskars is home to a great variety of events, including performing arts, concerts and outdoor activities. The scenic area can also be discovered by hiking or paddling along the river and nearby lakes. For the 96 | Issue 111 | April 2018
active traveller, the village offers one of Finland’s leading mountain bike trails. Cafés and restaurants are open all year round, and several of them offer seasonal delicacies and local goodies flavoured with, for example, nettle, freshly picked mushrooms and seasonal berries. Good food needs great beverages, and locally distilled and brewed spirits, craft beer and cider all use local ingredients and exciting combinations. “Try, for example, Ägräs Gin with its bold taste of juniper berries and clover, or the refined Kuura Ice Cider made from only Finnish apples, nothing more and nothing less,” says Blomqvist. Fiskars Village boasts a slow pace and an artisan atmosphere yet is full of excit-
Web: www.fiskarsvillage.fi/en/home Instagram: @Fiskars_village