Main Venue
The Old Glass Factory in Riihimäki is the main stage of the Finnish Glass Biennale and will be open to all from 5–8 June, daily from 11am to 6pm.
Visitor information can be found here.
The Old Glass Factory is a historic industrial site, now owned by Kallioinen Yhtiöt Oy. In June, its ground floor will be transformed into a dynamic space featuring a wide-ranging glass exhibition, a glass bar by top chef Markus Aremo, and a stage with daily programming.
Open discussions on glass will be held every day at 12pm and 4pm.
Main Exhibition: Finnish Glass Biennale
The main exhibition features works selected through an open call, including pieces by Arni Aromaa, EGS, Matias Karsikkaa, Konsta Klemetti, Aleksi Puustinen, Janne Rahunen, Helmi Remes, Kimmo Reinikka, Helmi Remes, Sauli Suomela, Henri Timperi and Tommi Toija.
Also featured is a joint exhibition by students from Finland’s leading design schools, including Aalto University, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Tavastia Vocational College, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, The University of Lapland, and the Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design.
The History of Finnish Glass – From Art to Everyday Life
The experience is completed by a special exhibition curated by Japanese designer Akira Minagawa from the collections of the Finnish Glass Museum: “Historical Works of Finnish Glass Artists – From Art to Everyday Life”. Minagawa has also created a unique glass art piece made in collaboration with glassblower Kaappo Lähdesmäki at Nuutajärvi Glass Village.
Bar & Stage open from 11 am to 6 pm – Glass Talks daily at 12 pm & 4 pm
The main programme takes place on the Old Glass Factory stage! From Thursday to Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00, Finnish Glass Biennale hosts diverse and thought-provoking conversations about glass. All talks are free of charge and no registration is required. Enjoy a drink from the Glass Bar as you listen.
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12 PM CANCELLED
How does glass design reflect the spirit of the times?
What kinds of insights, cultural influences and expressions does glass allow in the global design landscape? The opening discussion delves into glass design through the lenses of creativity, inspiration and international dialogue. Joining the conversation is internationally recognised glass designer and artist Helmi Remes, who has worked in residencies in the USA, including UrbanGlass and the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York (FCINY), as well as the Pittsburgh Glass Center. She will be in discussion with Anne-Mari Pahkala, fashion designer and member of FGB’s steering group.4 PM
Where does a designer draw daily inspiration? What is the value of imperfection in craft, and what can we learn from the element of chance in glassblowing? Akira Minagawa, a luminary of Japanese design, works across disciplines with his brand minä perhonen as well as with global design houses. He will be interviewed by Anni Korkman, Programme Director of Luovi Productions. The discussion will be simultaneously interpreted into Finnish by interpreter Etsuro Endo.
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12 PM
Riihimäki – the Glass City. How did this identity emerge, and how can culture be used to tell a city’s story? In conversation: Jouni Eho, Mayor of Riihimäki, and Anna-Riitta Kujala, Director of Vitality. Moderated by Hanna Mamia-Walther, Director of The Finnish Glass Museum.
4 PM
Finnish glass art is experiencing a renaissance. Why is glass so relevant right now? In conversation: glass artist Paula Pääkkönen, who recently collaborated with United Colors of Benetton, and Hanna Mamia-Walther, Director of The Finnish Glass Museum.
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12 PM
What possibilities does glass as a material offer? Award-winning jewellery designer and goldsmith Kirsti Doukas, former Head Designer and Design Director at Kalevala Jewellery, has recently deepened her work with glass. She will be interviewed by Katja Vuorinen-Parm, Curator at Riihimäki Art Museum.
4 PM
What draws collectors to glass? How did the hobby begin, what have been the key moments, and what would be the ultimate find?
Glass collectors Jyrki Kippola, Marko Jylli, and Akseli Kaukoranta share their experiences and collections.
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12 PM
What is the visual, material, functional and emotional beauty of glass? How is traditionally Finnish minimalist aesthetics expressed through glass? Where is the boundary between a functional object and an artwork? Interview with artist Milla Vaahtera by Anni Korkman, Programme Director of Luovi Productions.
4 PM
Glass has a rich history in Finland – and a bright future.
What kinds of opportunities does glass offer to future designers and other disciplines? In conversation: featured designer Aleksi Puustinen and artist-lecturer Kirsti Taiviola, interviewed by Anni Korkman of Luovi Productions.
Arrival at the main venue
The event offers free bus transportation from Riihimäki Railway Station to the Finnish Glass Museum via the Old Glass Factory, twice an hour on June 5–8.
City bike
Visitors can use city bikes for transportation: www.kaakau.fi.
Bus
There will be a free shuttle bus from Riihimäki railway station (Voimala) to the Finnish Glass Museum via the Old Glass Factory twice an hour from 5–8 June.
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