Exhibit of 1950s and 1960s Finnish glass includes items from the best Finnish designers and glass companies—many of them shown for the first time publicly in Minnesota. Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Nanny Still, and Tapio Wirkkala designed some of their most important work in the 1950s and were followed by Tamara Aladin, Oiva Toikka, and Helena Tynell in the 1960s. Times were good—Finnish glass was internationally acclaimed and three different companies were competing for the fame: Iittala, Nuutajärven Lasi, and Riihimäen Lasi.
Participate in docent-led tours of Christ Church Lutheran, designed by Finnish architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and experience the simple beauty of modernist architecture. The Sanctuary (Eliel Saarinen, 1949) represents restrained modern design through use of materials, proportion, form, and light. The Education Wing (Eero Saarinen, 1962) is a son’s quiet tribute to his father. Today, both buildings are considered architectural masterpieces and remain in their original, unaltered condition. Christ Church Lutheran is a National Historic Landmark and a fascinating modern space that combines simplicity, serenity, and spirituality.
Textile exhibit features Marimekko’s old and new apparel with print designs from the 1960s. Jackie Kennedy wears Marimekko dresses through her husband’s 1960 election campaign, and Marimekko becomes an instant sensation. Marimekko soon is internationally known for bold prints, large patterns, and vibrant colors. Maija Isola created some of the most recognized fabric designs in the world in the 1960s—Unikko, Kivet, and Kaivo. It was the original idea of Marimekko founder Armi Ratia to produce fabrics with extra-large patterns to encourage their use in public buildings and open areas.
Short documentaries, many of them from the 1960s, focus on Finnish design and Helsinki. Feature movie Helsinki, Forever is directed by Peter von Bagh and produced by Illume Ltd. (subtitled in English, 75 min.) It is a city symphony and portrait of Finland’s capital, Helsinki. Live picture is complemented with a collage of literature, paintings, photographs, and other images from nearly a hundred artists, who have documented Helsinki’s past. However, the historical journey through Helsinki reveals much more—it guides us to the heart of Finnish art, identity, and culture.
Pop, tango, and folk music by three different Finnish music groups bring back the memories of 1960s. Saana Ensemble’s popular music repertoire ranges from hymns to folk songs and dance tunes. Five women vocalists sing 1960s music from their native country Finland. Tango Pohjan Tähden combines elements of traditional Argentine tango, tango nuevo, jazz, and folk music to create its original Finnish tango sound. Finnish-American musicians Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman of the folk duo Kaivama grew up in northern Minnesota and Michigan. Northern landscapes and Finnish influences echo in their folk music and sound.
