Exhibition of Iittala glassblowers’ own works at the Iittala Glass Museum from 3 February to 9 June 2024
Opening on Saturday 3 February 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Connecting is the theme of the Iittala glassblowers’ annual exhibition this year. The works on display are inspired by a common theme, but without further specification. Connecting can mean combining glass with other materials, or combining two colours or two techniques.
The Iittala glass factory supports the skills and creativity of its employees by offering an opportunity to work on their own pieces in their free time. Many glassmakers have a desire to develop their skills outside work, and they welcome the opportunity provided by their employer. Outside working hours, workshops are also organised for Iittala’s glassmaking professionals. “At the workshops, you have the time to implement your own ideas and exchange creative ideas with other glassblowers. You can learn a lot by watching how other glassblowers work. More experienced glassblowers are glad to share their expertise at the workshops,” says glassblower Leevi Luoma. Glassblower Taina Kohtamäki is also pleased with more experienced colleagues’ way to provide support and useful tips. According to Taina, workshops involve enjoyable cooperation between glassblowers of different skill levels, and you can unleash your creativity.
Iittala’s glassblowers feel that it is important to highlight artisan skills. They are particularly pleased with the fact that the knowledge, craft and skills of handmade glass production were included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023. This is a significant tribute to glassmakers and the entire glassmaking industry. The Finnish Glass Museum served as the initiator of the application and as the coordinator of the multinational project in Finland.
Jaana Eriksson, who is responsible for the glass museum at Iittala, is also delighted with the fact that this year the glassblowers’ exhibition includes four new participants. “It’s wonderful to see that younger glassblowers are also inspired by workshops and exhibitions. Glass is the kind of material that you only learn by doing and through repetition. At the workshops, you can practise different techniques and, above all, learn from others,” says Eriksson.
The works in the exhibition were mainly completed at a workshop in December 2023. Members of the public were also able to follow the workshop. Most of the works are also for sale. After the exhibition, the upper floor facility at the glass museum will serve as a year-round sales gallery for the Iittala glassblowers, with a changing selection of unique pieces designed and produced by glassblowers in their free time.
In addition to works by Kohtamäki and Luoma, the spring exhibition features pieces by the following glassblowers: Toni Engelberg, Jorma Huovilainen, Hanna Kaasinen, Péter Kovács, Toivo Molin, Heikki Ollitervo, Kalle Ollitervo, Heikki Punkari, Saara Sirkeoja, Riku Toivonen, Penna Tornberg, Aada Vainio, Hanna Välimaa and Tero Välimaa.
The exhibition is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Between 19 February and 3 March, the exhibition will be open on Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 5 am.
Further information:
Jaana Eriksson, PR Specialist, Iittala Glass Museum, tel. +358 40 735 6672, jaana.eriksson@fiskars.com
Tero Välimaa, Master Glassblower, Iittala glass factory, tero.valimaa@fiskars.com
The Iittala Glass Museum is open as follows:
January–May: from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
From 19 February to 3 March 2024: from 11 am to 5 pm on Wednesday through Sunday
June–August: from 11 am to 5 pm on Tuesday through Sunday
At other times for groups by reservation only: iittala.museum@iittala.com, +358 204 39 6230
