Frans Toikkanen 100th Birthday Celebration

Saarijärvi Museum presents the exhibition "Fransu 100 - Frans Toikkanen 100th Birthday Exhibition" (16.5.-13.9.2026), with the artist celebrated through special events at the museum Wed-Fri 24.-26.6.2026.

Frans "Fransu" Toikkanen (1926-2008) was a Saarijärvi-based artist-printmaker and sculptor who became one of the leading figures in Finnish contemporary printmaking in the 1970s. His breakthrough came with cat mezzotint prints at the Florence International Printmaking Biennial in 1972.

Wed 24.6. at 18:00 - "Frans Toikkanen and Anneli Klemola - Following Fransu's Path"
Frans Toikkanen's daughter Leena Toikkanen and printmaker Anneli "Ansu" Klemola are interviewed by museum director Kirsi Hänninen. The event is part of the Saarijärvi Museum Friends' Cultural Wednesdays 2026. Admission 5 € or museum card.

Thu 25.6. at 13:00 - "Following Fransu's Path - From Mikkola Homestead to World Biennales" - Exhibition Tour
Guide: Frans Toikkanen's daughter Leena Toikkanen. Price 10 / 9 / 5 € or museum card.

Fri 26.6. at 12:00-18:00 - Main Event: Frans Toikkanen's 100th Birthday Celebration
Exhibitions open 12:00-18:00. Programme: pop-up shop 12:00-14.30 (cash only), trivia, film "Fransu - Peasant and Artist" at 13:00, celebratory speeches, Finnish saw-playing champion 2025 Teija Liikamaa, Kosminen Jokeltaja Juha Sillman (didgeridoo), folk dance group Supikkaat with musicians, Open Mic session for memories and reflections, and cake and coffee at 15:30. Admission is free and accessible.

In the evening at 18:00, folk music and dance music performed by a five-piece ensemble at Mannila Manor (Mannilantie 9). Tickets 8 € + buffet (cash only). K-18 continuation at Kolme varista café (Kauppakatu 6) at 20:30, tickets 8 € (cash only).

More information: Saarijärvi Museum, [email protected], tel. 0444598413.