Äänekoski Art Park

At the turn of March and April, the forest along Keskuskatu was cut down, and it hurt my eyes too. Suddenly, a new heart began to form in the middle of the forest, and its positive effect has spread across the whole forest, the area now known as Taidepuisto. 

I wasn’t the only one displeased by the thinned forest, as Outi Pantsar, who watched in tears at the loggers’ work, sat on her yard stone keeping guard so that the statues that had delighted passersby on Keskuskatu for ten years wouldn’t be knocked over. The playful challenge she then tossed to her spouse, Einari Tarvainen—to fill the stumps with statues and the remaining trees with yarn graffiti—has already come a long way.

For years, many along Keskuskatu have gotten a boost from Einari’s sculptures, though some passerby has apparently also taken out their frustration on them, destroying statues. Others must have liked them a bit too much and ended up stealing them. Broken statues have been repaired and returned even more whole than before.

Outi’s yarn graffiti, for their part, are a newer sight. She has made them for years and used them, among other things, in her work, but the first pieces went on display about three years ago, in the trees of her own yard. A year ago, Outi cautiously hung her works around the city; for instance, you might have spotted crocheted artworks in Koskela Park.

The exceptional spring and missing trees in the forest gave Outi’s yarn graffiti a great opportunity to stand out. Yarn graffiti are easy and convenient because they’re tied with yarn around, for example, a tree, so they can be moved or removed if needed, and the tree isn’t harmed at all. At first, the heart of the Taidepuisto’s heart was filled with yarn graffiti, and on top of it stands one of Einari’s statues. From there the endeavor spread, and soon dog walkers passing by could peer with excitement to see whether something new had appeared in the forest again.

Seeing Outi and Einari around the art park, many have thanked them and encouraged them to continue. Positive energy is something many of us have surely needed this spring, and the park has indeed provided it. The art was created to process feelings and bring positive energy; once the creations made it outdoors, they brought joy to many.

At least in the artists’ hearing, no one has said a negative word, nor is there any reason. The only annoyance, for admirers and artists alike, is the brush left by the loggers lying throughout the forest, and getting around there is still rather difficult. Outi and Einari also dream of having the brush cleared so that the paths would emerge and it would be easier to view the artworks up close. And if we really dream, it would be wonderful if the art park could become accessible in the future.

The modest artists have also been supported to continue their work. They have received donated yarns and paints, which has inspired them further. For the Taidepuisto pieces in general, leftover yarn has been dug out from the bottoms of boxes and, for example, paints left over from renovations have been put to use. Recycling and respect for nature are clearly present. For example, branches collected from the forest have ended up as hair for a statue, and the artists already have a new work coming that makes use of forest materials.

Outi and Einari haven’t been working hard all on their own, as Einari’s daughter, Kukka, has also taken part in building the art park. There’s plenty to build, and hopefully this is something that will never be finished. Einari and Outi (as does the writer) hope this could become community art for the whole city. The forest is open to all art, with respect for nature and positivity as the conditions. Everyone can make art in their own way—you can paint a rock or make a pine-cone cow. The park isn’t dedicated only to yarn graffiti and wood sculptures; anyone can come create their own while respecting other works and the environment. And if making art isn’t your thing, you can always come and gather the branches covering the paths to the side.

Sitting on a rock with Outi and Einari on a summer evening, I got inspired too, and my absolute plan for this summer is to go create something in Taidepuisto. I can absolutely recommend this in Äänekoski! And even if you don’t want to make art, it’s worth coming to admire Taidepuisto between Keskuskatu and Lallintie, even from farther away. This truly is something so unique that you can’t experience it anywhere else. And of course it must be mentioned that furry family members can also come admire this art. There can never be too many dog-friendly destinations!

Have a lovely midsummer, everyone 

Riitta - @luonnollisestiparempi