Saksala ArtRadius

RURAL ART VILLAGE SAKSALANHARJU

an innovative community in east Finland brings new spirit to the northern region of Mikkeli

The RURAL ART VILLAGE SAKSALANHARJU in east Finland is an innovative concept to bring new activities, people, work and new SPIRIT to the region.

The intention is to create an area (Saksalanharju on the biggest monolith of Europe) where artists, artisans, handicraftsmen, local producers and small enterprises will build a community based on quality, expertise, knowledge, innovation and involvement.

The ateliers, work spaces and small sized enterprises will develop, produce, sell and show their products and specialties. The location is suitable for different kind of events, fairs and activities which can be temporary but also permanent. It is the combination of existing and traditional trades with new and innovative models in the field of art, culture, arts and crafts, agriculture and forestry which will generate new added value to this area. It will be a source of creative development and will be attractive for Finnish inhabitants but also for visitors from abroad.

Art centre Saksala ArtRadius will participate as a partner in this concept. Together with other partners new models for a various society will be initiated and developed.  

Art and design, handicraft, traditional products and producing (agriculture and forestry), traditional techniques, music, and literature are the main activities in this upcoming community.

art
arts & craft
handicraft
traditional production methods
local products
agriculture
forestry
rural life style

Saksalanharju-kirkonkylä is a nature heritage with high potential. With the attention of the government the innovative community will bring new values to the northern region of Mikkeli.

Saksalanharju on the biggest monolith of Europe will be an attractive art village with different existing and new initiatives for different target groups, like adults, children, professionals, amateurs, travelers, tourists, nature lovers, art lovers etc.

It will be possible to spend short or longer time to visit different places, to make a bike tour, to participate in workshops, to assist in field works, to enjoy the specific atmosphere of the country side.

-ART CENTER
– FOAM Sculpture Park
– AllaprimA MuseuM
– forest-LABYRINTH

-AMUSEMENT PARK
-watchtower
-swings
-dancing hall
-midsummer event

-DESIGN CARPENTER
-design furniture
-wooden objects-

GIFT SHOPS
-arts & craft gift shop
-jewelry art
-local products
-local handicraft

-GAS STATION
-kioski
-cafe
-gas station

-TRADITIONAL CANDY MAKER
-marmalade products

-BAKERY
-traditional bread

-AGRICULTURE
–cattle breeder
–farmer

-WORKSHOPS/ACTIVITIES
-art fair
-workshops
-agriculture methods
-forestry methods
-season related activities

-TRADES
-black smith
-carpenter
-designer
-weaver
-felting
-knitting
-silver smith
-wood cutter
-pottery
-ceramics
-glass

-ANNUAL EVENTS
-midsummer
-Christmas
-taidekirppujen yö
-summer cottage
-poetry night
-fairy tales
-concerts
-recitals

The monolith (drumliini) - MOR-Y06-049 Saksalanharju is the biggest monolith of Europe, maybe even worldwide.

Registration number: MOR-Y06-049
Types: drumlin
Height: 168 meter
Length: 5 499 meter
Width: 1 600 meter

Saksalanharju, an ancient settlement site, is situated in South East rural Finland on road 72 between the cities Mikkeli and Pieksämäki .
RURAL ART VILLAGE SAKSALANHARJU is located on the top of the Saksalanharju ridge.

The authentic landscape, with fields and forests around Saksalanharju together with the excellent art center, design carpenter, artisans and farmers, creates good possibilities for an innovative art village that will be attractive for visitors from Finland and abroad.

green area: monolith Saksalanharju
yellow area: center of the RURAL ART VILLAGE SAKSALANHARJU

The project will be developed with AREFS taide ja kulttuuri ry and other partners.