Art Cave

Pauno Pohjolainen’s life’s work in the new ART CAVE! Kuopio’s wartime cave is illuminated and transformed into a unique art venue as an exhibition of Kuopio sculptor Pauno Pohjolainen’s life’s work takes over its rugged walls. The rock cave provides an atmospheric setting for works spanning five decades of the artist’s career. Of the approximately 1,000 works stored in the cave, just over 200 are on display, ranging from the early 1980s to the present day. Pohjolainen’s work bears the mark of a strong Savo craft tradition. Apart from his years of study at the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, the acclaimed sculptor has created his entire body of work in his home region, based in Kuopio. He is particularly known for his painted wooden sculptures and striking public works. Among Pohjolainen’s distinctions are the Ars Fennica (1997) and Pro Finlandia (2005). Among Finnish contemporary artists, Pohjolainen is the only one to hold honorary membership in both the Finnish Sculptors’ Association and the Finnish Painters’ Association. The exhibition is open on the last Sunday of every month from 15:00 to 18:00. Private guided visits are also available for groups of 10–30; contact pauno.pohjolainen@gmail.com. The Art Cave is at Kajastuspolku 3, right next to Luola – Savilahden liikunta- ja tapahtumakeskus. There is a parking area in front of the Art Cave. Come and experience how wood, colour and stone meet! The artist couple, the Pohjolainens, will be there to share the background and stories behind the works. A small museum shop offers a varied selection of gift-appropriate products. A warm welcome!