Juhannus celebration June 22-25 to include art, music, dance, Folk School demonstrations, more ...

Finlandia University Gallery, in collaboration with the Finnish American Folk School, will open this week's Juhannus celebrations Wednesday, June 22, with a reception for the exhibit "The Folk School at Midsummer," a group exhibit presenting the work of the folk school instructors and students. Pictured here are (foreground left) Anita Jain, Stormy Seas, 2020; (foreground right) Anita Jain, Lily of the Woods, 2017; (background) work by Phyllis Fredendall and Kenyon Hansen. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- This week Finlandia University celebrates its 125th Anniversary in conjunction with several Juhannus celebrations.* The following events offer a variety of cultural activities open to the public.

7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 -- Finlandia University Gallery, in collaboration with the Finnish American Folk School will hold an opening reception for "The Folk School at Midsummer," a group exhibit presenting the work of the folk school instructors and students and featuring the work of composer-improviser, sound and visual artist Sara Pajunen and textile artist Wynne Mattila. Presentations by Sara Pajunen and  folklorist Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen. The exhibit continues through Sept. 2. (Inset photo: Sara Pajunen. Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

The work of guest artist-instructors Sara Pajunen, Wynne Mattila, Anita Salminen Jain, Liv Aanrud and local instructors Karen Tembruell, Phyllis Fredendall, Clare Zuraw, Alice Margerum, Lindsey Heiden, Kenyon Hansen and their students fills the gallery with the inspirations and results of folk school programming. Students exhibiting work include Lisa Wiitala, Laura Marquart, Sue Ellen Kingsley, John Gale, Nathan Ryckman, Dawn Andersson, Stephanie Carpenter, Mary Mills, Melissa Lewis, Miriam Pickens, Julie Badel, Leslie Sotala, and Lois Anderson. (Inset photo: Work by student Sue Ellen Kingsley. Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

FRIDAY, JUNE 24:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Juhannus Summer Market at North Wind Books featuring Scandinavian/Nordic items and bakery.
Location:  North Wind Books and tents in parking lot. Admission: public, free, no registration requirements.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. -- Juhannus Dance.
Join violinist Sara Pajunen and Thimbleberry Band for an evening of traditional music and dance.

The Thimbleberry Band: (Standing, from left) Oren Tikkanen, Tom Collins, Matthew Durocher; and on accordion Dave Bezotte. (Photo courtesy Oren Tikkanen)

Finnish American Heritage Center. Admission: $10 in advance by June 23, $15 at the door. Masks required. Click here to purchase advance tickets.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25:

10 a.m. - Noon -- Finnish American Folk School Demonstrations. Traditional arts demonstrations by Finnish American Folk School instructors on Quincy Green, Hancock. Admission: public, free, no registration requirements.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Juhannus Summer Market at North Wind Books featuring Scandinavian/Nordic items and bakery.
Location:  North Wind Books and tents in parking lot. Admission: public, free, no registration requirements.

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. -- Finnish Song Workshop with Sara Pajunen. Quincy Green. Admission: $20, advanced registration required. Click here to register.

9 p.m. -- Toivola Fire Department Kokko (Bonfire). Agate Beach. Admission: public, free, no registration requirements.

* Click here to read about landmarks in the history of Finlandia University/Suomi College.