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The Finnish Heritage Museum Presents

The First Summer Exhibit of Artwork

Featuring Finnish American Artists

On Display June 20 through August 20, 2008
Opening reception on June 20, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm for Museum Members Only

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Larry LaBounty, Elaine Lillback, Sandy Miller, Heikki Penttila, Nancy (Kultti) Stanziale, Clint Stapleton, Jeff Suntala, Susan Troutman, Ken Valimaki, Lasse Hiltunen, Nick Hiltunen, and Seth Hiltunen.

JUHANNUS IS EXPLAINED

Midsummer, Juhannus, Finland’s great festival which is celebrated this year on June 21 was reviewed by Ailiin Andrews at the Finnish Heritage Museum. Juhannus not only celebrates the 79 long summer days, but it is Finland’s flag-day.
The beautiful blue cross on the white background crowns the Finnish landscape and skies as it’s unfurled at 6 p.m. that day.
The long lasting winter is put out of memory as housewives begin to follow the routine preparation for the summer long holiday. Continuous sunlight hours encourage the house cleaning routine.
Ailiin had placed birch tree branches outside the museum doors, and Finnish flags were placed on the coffee tables. Finland’s flags are clean and immaculate as they fly in the breeze. Although raised at 6 p.m., they must be flying until 9 p.m. the next evening.
The traditional "kokko" or huge bonfire is built to celebrate Juhannus. Finnish Heritage Museum wanted to do the same, but no “kokko”would be built in Fairport this year, as fire standards of the environmental orders were prohibitive. Perhaps another year we will be able to gather round the historical “kokko” on Fairport's beach.
Pagan times honored the Finnish god of thunder who was attributed the rain maker and producer of flowers. Girls gather them and place them under their pillows hoping to bring about a future husband.
The spiritual meaning of Juhannus is the remembrance of John the Baptist, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Although John lived to be ninety-eight years old and died a natural death, many of the saints were burned in the fires of martyrdom in the early church.
Throughout Finland will be many dance festivals such as folk festivals and the tango. People will gather together by lakeshores. Oftentimes there are drowning deaths because of alcohol related activities. This is the sad side of the festival.
Ailiin’s interesting presentation was enhanced by the colorful background on the north wall of the gallery. It is being decorated with framed artwork of local Finnish artists. The display is being arranged by Heikki Penttila , Nancy Kultti Stanziale and their artwork presentation committee. The exhibit will be open June 20 – August 20, 2008. Come to see it. Also, don’t forget Finn Funn on August 8 – 9 at the museum!
Coffee and nisu was served by Ailiin following the meeting.
©story by Elaine Lillback ©picture by Lasse Hiltunen

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FAIRPORT HARBOR'S FINNISH HERITAGE MUSEUM FINN FUNN FEST 2008 PRESENTS: Pelimanni Reijo Jokinen is a favorite a summer festivals in Finland and has a large following due to his radio and recording performances. He has shared the stage with such greats as Eino Gron and Tapani Rautavaara and carries on the great traditions of Finnish grassroots song. Finns can hardly keep from humming along or dancing when overwhelmed by the magic of Reijo's accordion.