The act of taking a sauna is an inherent part of Finnish culture. Sauna is Life: Sauna Culture in Finland explores the Finnish sauna tradition with a model sauna and sauna objects as well as stories, photos, and videos shared with us from home and abroad. In addition, the exhibition highlights related sweating practices from other cultural groups around the world, including the Japanese and the Lakota in the United States.
To celebrate the exhibit opening, ASHM will host the Finlandia Foundation National's performer of the year, Miska Kajanus! Miska is a Finnish-American actor, comedian, musician, and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. He will present his solo show, My Immigrant Story, a comedic monologue in which he shares his funny, lifelong journey from Finland to America. The event will also feature treats from the Finnish Arctic Swan Bakery.
The exhibition event is free to the public with light refreshments served. Please RSVP to help us plan.
Sauna is Life: Sauna Culture in Finland was organized by Nordic Northwest, Portland Oregon and made possible by the generous support of Finlandia Foundation National.