Art Takes Over Rauma on Finland’s Visual Arts Day on 10 July – Explore the Venues with the Art Map
Uutinen
On Friday, 10 July, the entire Rauma arts community will come together to celebrate Finland’s Visual Arts Day, as the city fills with artists, art enthusiasts, and a diverse range of visual arts events.
Dozens of venues are taking part in the celebration, including galleries, artists’ studios, museums, associations, and exhibition spaces. The event also extends to the surrounding Rauma region, with some venues opening their doors especially for Visual Arts Day.
All Visual Arts Day events can be found on the Rauma Art Map, compiled by the City of Rauma’s Cultural and Museum Services. The map allows visitors to create their own route based on their interests and explore the local art scene at their own pace. The Art Map is available on the Visit Rauma website. Printed copies can be picked up from the Rauma Art Museum, Savila Tourist Information, or the Pyyrman Service Point.
Art, Experiences and Activities Across the City
The programme for Visual Arts Day offers a glimpse into Rauma’s rich and diverse cultural life. Local art associations have been involved in shaping the event from the very beginning, and their active work continues to be reflected in the wide range of activities on offer.
On Visual Arts Day, the Rauma Art Museum will have extended opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free admission throughout the day. Visitors can also explore the city’s other museum sites free of charge. In addition, several artists’ galleries and studios will open their doors from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. At the New Art Space in Tarvonsaari, visitors can explore the Material exhibition as well as a number of artists’ workspaces.
At Orelli Park, celebrations begin at 11 a.m. to mark the renewal of the park and the relocation of Jarmo Mäkilä’s sculpture Kings of Stone (Kiven kuninkaat) to the area. The opening event will feature performances by dancer Noora Juppi and former members of the Rauma Boys’ Choir.
From 1 p.m. onwards, the artist collective Ilomiehet will be painting in the courtyard of the Rauma Art Museum. Visitors are welcome to watch the artists at work and engage in conversation with them. Participating artists include Paavo Paunu, Petri Hytönen, Teemu Mäenpää, Mikko Paakkola, Kim Somervuori, and Henry Wuorila-Stenberg.
The day will also feature interactive workshops across the city. In Keskustelupuisto park, visitors can take part in a watercolour painting session led by visual artist Tuula Kallas, while art house RaumArs and Art Studio Lemmitty will host drop-in painting workshops. Some workshops require advance registration or participants to bring their own materials.
Art will also take the form of live performances throughout the day. Noora Juppi’s site-specific dance work Radicalis combines pole dance, contemporary dance, and butoh. An excerpt from the piece will be performed in the garden of RaumArs.
Visitors can travel easily between Visual Arts Day venues using the free Rauma Gyyt transport service. Three art bicycles donated by the Lönnström Art Museum are also available to borrow from the Rauma Art Museum. The bicycles can be used until the end of August, from Tuesday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Rauma has celebrated Visual Arts Day since 2015, thanks to the efforts of its active artists’ associations. Finland’s national Visual Arts Day, observed on 10 July, marks the birthday of renowned Finnish artist Helene Schjerfbeck.
