My Jewellery – Lecture and Story Evenings at Kexholm Museum
Autumn's My Jewellery The series of programmes invites the public to explore jewellery, their stories and cultural history from various perspectives. The series combines lectures, reminiscence work and the joy of making. The events offer an opportunity to hear experts, see objects up close and share personal memories – or simply to listen and be inspired.
Sunday 21/09 from 15:00 to 17:00
Master Goldsmith Kirsi Vahtera's lecture: Jewellery making and the Neidonvaaja project
Master blacksmith Kirsi Vahtera is an expert in the art of forging who utilises the essence of iron and its strong character as a medium for expression in her work.
Traditional techniques and tools are close to his heart, as they carry a long history and a narrative intertwined with mythology. Vahtera experiences the blacksmith's work as a versatile and traditional way of life, where creative work and the rugged sound of iron go hand in hand with commissioned pieces. According to him, working with metal is experiential and elemental.
Over the years, the Kalevala and Finnish mythology have become an increasingly central part of her artistic work. Vahtera wants to highlight the Finnish person, the spirits of the forests, and particularly the figure of the strong woman – the one who has sustained the community, faced sorrows and adversities, and been present at every turn of life.
“In former times, knowledge was passed on through teaching, rune-singing and stories. I hope that through my works I can offer something similar: to awaken through art the ability to see the warmth and strength in our roots. To bring stories to life,” Vahtera says.
The lecture takes listeners into the world of jewellery design and manufacturing – from concept to working with metal.
Free admission
Tuesday 30.9. from 17 to 19
Kalevala jewellery memory circle
The evening brings together reminiscence and jewellery. Participants are welcome to bring along their own Kalevala jewellery and share memories associated with it. Photographs will help to bring these memories to life, and over the course of the evening a shared narrative will emerge, weaving together past and present experiences.
Reminiscence work is built on four cornerstones: creativity, experientiality, functionality and community. It helps to structure one's life and strengthens personal resources.
Leader: MA, visual artist Henna Paasonen
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
Wednesday 1st October from 5pm to 7pm
Presentation of the ancient Karelian costume and jewellery
At the Käkisalmi Museum, Sisko Björk of Heinolan Kalevalaiset Naiset presents the Karelian ancient costume and its jewellery on display. The evening opens up a view into the history and making of ancient costumes. In addition, a video on bronze spiral decoration will be shown – a rare glimpse into the secrets of old craftsmanship.
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
Saturday 11 October from 15:00 to 17:00
Master artisan Mervi Pasanen: Ancient costumes and their jewellery 15:00–16:00
The lecture discusses the significance of jewellery in the preservation and research of historical costumes How has jewellery been preserved, and what does it tell us about our past? Pasanen takes the audience on a journey into the world of times gone by.
My jewellery exhibition introduction from 16:00 to 17:00
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
Tuesday 14 October, 5–7 pm
Kalevala jewellery memory circle
Another memory circle continues the tradition of telling stories together and sharing experiences. Every session is different – new jewellery, new stories, a new atmosphere.
Leader: MA, visual artist Henna Paasonen
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
Wednesday 22.10. from 17 to 19
Nålebinding workshop
This ancient craft of sprang-needle binding (or:nalebinding) is brought back to life in this workshop. Participants will learn the basics of the technique and get to try it out for themselves. At the same time, they will explore the history of the method: fragments of a nålebound mitten dating back to the Crusade period have been found in Finland.
Remember to bring: thick woollen yarn (needles can be borrowed on site)
Presenter: To be announced later
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
Tuesday 28.10. from 17 to 19
Kalevala jewellery memory circle
The last memory-sharing session of the autumn brings together jewellery enthusiasts and storytellers. The event offers a peaceful moment to share memories and listen to others’ stories before the start of the winter season.
Leader: MA, visual artist Henna Paasonen
Tickets: €6/€5 (Free with Museum Card)
