Aalto University participates in Finland's first Glass Biennale
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.
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.
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.
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
Read more news
ARTS launches AI Playground pilot in Väre
A new pilot space in Väre gives ARTS staff access to shared AI-ready workstations, with student access planned for 2026–2027.
Turning forest industry side streams into sustainable materials
Doctor of Science Sahar Babaeipour studied how lignin nanoparticles could be used in recyclable coatings for packaging and textiles. Her research at Aalto University supports the development of renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials.
Join Unite! webinars on the European Student Card, European Degree Label and collaborative courses
Join June Online sessions aimed at faculty and staff working in digital campus development, joint programmes and collaborative teaching.