Trending
HANCOCK -- An exhibition by Joyce Koskenmaki, Kayo Miwa, Maggie Parr, Randy Wakeham and Kenyon Hansen will be on display at the Finlandia Art Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center through Nov. 20.
The group of artists -- with styles and media ranging from painting, printmaking, fiber, drawing and clay -- all have one thread in common and that is Koskenmaki. She taught at many universities during her time as a professor.
Miwa, Wakeham and Hansen were all students of hers. Parr, though not a traditional student, is Koskenmaki's daughter who was influenced all the same.
"Joyce rarely gave Maggie direct lessons, but she set up an environment where creativity could thrive," Parr said.
Parr creates signature artworks for corporations, individuals and non-profits. She also teaches artists the classical rendering techniques that let them confidently break the rules in service of their own work, and mentors creatives in search of deeper authenticity and creative productivity.
"My goal in my work has always been to bring comfort and peace not only to myself but hopefully also to my viewers, to provide them with something they need for their inner spirits, through personal subjects and especially the harmony created by the relationship of colors and shapes to each other," Koskenmaki said.
Kayo, who is a painter and print maker, views her work as love letters. "My art has always been like love letters to the world I am a small part of. Even when I could never have dreamed of my life so far from Japan, my home, so many years ago," Kayo said.
Hansen works with clay making utilitarian object. "Through the process of creating, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the handmade and the human touch, reminding us of the value of connection and the joy of simple moments," he said.
Wakeham, a landscape painter whose style highlights the wonders and power of Lake Superior, said he feels fortunate enough to have a wise teacher tell her to paint what he loves. "I love painting Lake Superior water in landscape, and my work evokes a love of the Copper Country with its beautiful lakes and streams," he said.
For more information about this exhibit, call 906-487-7242 or email
gallery@finlandiafoundation.org. The Finnish American Heritage Center, owned and operated by Finlandia Foundation National at 435 Quincy St. in Hancock, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.