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Aalto University participates in Finland's first Glass Biennale

The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture at Aalto University will be prominently featured in the first international Finnish Glass Biennale, taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2025, in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi, and Iittala.
Five clear glass sculptures with abstract shapes and human body parts inside, displayed against a dark background.
"Artefacts of Rememberance" by Ariane Carde. Photo: Anne Kinnunen

The Finnish Glass Biennale offers a unique opportunity to explore glass through art and design and be inspired by the insights of leading experts in the field. It marks a significant step in the development of glass art and design's future in Finland. The main venue of the biennale, the Old Glass Factory in Riihimäki, will be open to the public daily from 11 am to 6 pm.

A decorative glass lamp emitting a warm glow, placed on a dark surface. Its light shines through a patterned, translucent glass bowl.
"Kosmos" by Elisa Roinisto. Photo: Elisa Roinisto

Exhibitions and Events

The exhibition "Shaping Glass - Shaping Future," held in conjunction with the main exhibition, showcases Aalto University's wide-ranging projects from undergraduate studies to doctoral research. It brings together glass projects from various educational institutions offering education related to glass. In addition to Aalto, participants include Häme University of Applied Sciences, Tavastia Vocational College, University of Lapland, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and the Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design.

Daily discussions on glass-related topics will be held at the main exhibition stage. On the final day, June 8th, Kirsti Taiviola, a lecturer and artist from the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, and designer Aleksi Puustinen will discuss the opportunities that glass offer not only to future designers but also to professionals in other fields. Anni Korkman, Program Director at Luovi Productions, will moderate the discussion.

Three glass vases with mesh decor; the smallest vase has a metal ring, each with dried flowers inside.
Work by Hana Rehorčíková. Photo: Anne Kinnunen

Seminars and Competitions

On the opening day of the biennale, June 4th, the Finnish Glass Museum will host a seminar addressing contemporary topics in glass related to science and art. Representing Aalto University, Slate Grove, workshop master of Aalto glass studio, along with artist Helmi Remes, will explore the collaboration between glass blowers and designers.

The festival program extends beyond Riihimäki to Nuutajärvi and Iittala. At Iittala's glass factory, the Glass Blowing World Championships will take place on Saturday, June 7th. Aalto University's Slate Grove and Jenni Salminen, a glassblower and student in the Contemporary Design master's program, will compete in the event.

Abstract lamp made of colourful stained glass pieces, mounted on a wooden base with a triangular cut-out.
"Casting colours: Based on waste" by Anna Leeman. Photo: Anne Kinnunen

Main Exhibition Participants

Participating students from Aalto include Anna Leeman, Aleksi Puustinen, Ariane Carde, Carla Rotenberg Taboada, Elisa Roinisto, Enni Gröhn, Hana Rehorcíková, Henri Timperi, Johanna Martinskin, Juni Neyenhuis, Janette Karppinen, Konsta Klemetti, Sara Talka, Sofia Huttu-Hiltunen, Riikka Latva-Somppi, and Sara Hulkkonen.

For more information:

Kirsti Taiviola
+358 50 5769579
kirsti.taiviola@aalto.fi

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