How an American university is showcasing Finnishness through art
Finnishness often evokes images of birch forests, sauna and the Kalevala. These cultural markers remain vital to life in Finland. Many Finns are surprised to find these same symbols thriving outside the country. Descendants of Finnish immigrants in the United States use these markers to define Finnish American identity through culture and art. Finlandia University’s Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series illustrates what Finnishness in America means by supporting these artists.
Finlandia University is an American university founded in 1896 by Finnish immigrants. It is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, an area with the highest concentration of Finnish Americans. The university was created to help preserve Finnish culture in the United States. Today the university celebrates this heritage through the Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series, showcasing the work of successful Finnish American artists.
Supporting Finnish American talent
Carrie Flaspohler has served as the Art Gallery Director at Finlandia University for 13 years. The Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series reached its 25th anniversary in December. It was initiated by former president Dr. Robert Ubbelohde and former Gallery Director Phyllis Fredendall. Flaspohler notes the series celebrates Finnish American culture and educates students in the International School of Art & Design. Students gain access to professional artists through individual critiques and mentoring. Recent participants include Mikko Kallio, Marco Casagrande, Ilkka Väätti, Anna Alapuro, Tatu Vuorio, Aino Kajaniemi and Riitta Ikonen.
Art as identity
Art played a central role in defining Finnish identity during the 19th and 20th centuries. It served as a tool against Russification and helped shape a culture that pushed for independence. Artists incorporated nationalistic symbols that remain strong in contemporary Finnish art and culture.
Finnish art historian Tuula Karjalainen describes these as kantakuvat, or cultural symbols. These images hold communal value and are easily recognised by the community. Such symbols unite people through shared knowledge and experiences, defining cultural identity.
I’m Finnish and did not know there is a American uni named after us. This is cool.
The northern peninsula of the American state of Michigan has a large Finnish population. They came over in the 19th century as mine workers and forest workers. Saunas are as common in the woods of far northern Michigan as they are in Finland. Plus, it’s remote and gorgeous up there, just like Finland. To your point, it wasn’t “named for you.” It was named BY you. Well, by your fellow Finns.