Art can connect the observer to the past.
Tomorrow evening, the Finlandia Art Gallery hosts an opening reception for its newest exhibit, “We Immigrants.” Finlandia Art Gallery Interim Director Clare Zuraw says the exhibit includes fiber art created by immigrants, maintained by the Finlandia Archives, as well as expressive paintings that offer a glimpse into the mind of Finnish immigrants who traveled over the Atlantic Ocean to seek opportunities in America.
“They may even recognize the names of some of the people featured in the oral histories or some of the artists themselves, or some of the donors of the items from the archive,” said Zuraw. “For those of us who aren’t Finnish or Finnish-American, some of the themes in this show are also a little bit universal. I know for myself, I’m the granddaughter of immigrants, and although they didn’t come from Finland, they had some of the same or similar experiences. And so I think there’s a lot of different ways to connect with this show, whether or not you are Finnish American.”
The Finlandia Archives oral histories offer a unique and engaging way to learn about immigrant stories. Many interviews include the stories passed down through families and firsthand accounts from Finnish immigrants who are part of more recent waves.
During the reception, archivist Joanna Chopp and Phyllis Fredendall will share remarks on the Heritage Center’s archives on display in the Finlandia Art Gallery until April 16.
An opening reception will take place at Finlandia Art Gallery in Hancock on Thursday, March 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. with remarks by Phyllis Fredendall and Joanna Chopp beginning at 7:20 p.m. “Me Siirtolaiset | We Immigrants” will be on display through April 16 at the Finnish American Heritage Center, located at 435 Quincy St. in Hancock. The gallery is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, call 906-370-3722 or visit www.finlandiaartgallery.com.
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