Finnish and Swedish glass artists showcase works at glass factory

Helsinki - Visitors to Finland's oldest operating glass factory this summer can marvel at a joint exhibition of hand-blown glass by artists based in Finland and neighbouring Sweden.

A group of Finnish-based glass artists and designers in 2007 formed the Nuutajarvi Gallery Co-operative (Nugo) that invited members of the Swedish group Blas&Knada to the joint exhibition "Encounter" that runs until August 31, Finnish-American glass artist Lea Swantz told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors to the Nuutajarvi glass factory can see artisans at work. The finished products can later be perused and purchased at the factory gift shop.

The Nuutajarvi Glass Factory, some 160 kilometres north of Helsinki, has been a centre of glass-blowing and glass design since 1793. Many of the current buildings date from the 1850s.

Artists closely linked to Nuutajarvi include Oiva Toikka, known for his glass birds including geese, capercaillie and owls that are still hand-made at the factory.

Nuutajarvi also has a glass museum designed by Finnish legendary designer Kaj Franck, a glass works school, and artists showcase their work at their studios. Visitors can also try their hand at glass- blowing.

Accommodation is available nearby at Kivimuu. More details on www. nuutajarvi. fi (Finnish), www. nugo. fi or www. iittalagroup. com. (dpa)