Extensive ITE art exhibition to open in Häme Castle

The works in the Carnival – ITE art at the castle exhibition to be opened at Häme Castle invite the viewers to embrace differences and diversity through the playful and creative exaggeration that is an intrinsic part of carnivalesque tradition. The exhibition showcases self-taught artistry and original creativity. 

The exhibition is produced by the National Museum of Finland and organised in collaboration with the Association for Rural Culture and Education. 

ITE art (from Itse Tehty Elämä – self-made life) is contemporary visual folk art that is part of the Finnish mental landscape. “Over the years, ITE art has become a phenomenon not only in Finland, but also internationally,” says Director for Cultural Affairs Helka Ketonen from the Association for Rural Culture and Education. 

Many of the works in the exhibition will now be seen for the first time. “We wish to showcase the diversity of ITE art, as well as the wide variety of artistic expression and techniques used,” says Chief Intendant Sanna Teittinen from the National Museum of Finland.  

ITE artists draw their material and themes from their own living environment and personal worldview. Discarded items and materials, scrap metal, plastic bottles, wood and mosaics are transformed into inventive, original works. 

Showcasing Jyri Rastas, the ITE Artist of the Year 2026 

The exhibition showcases works from 27 artists, one of which is the ITE Artist of the Year 2026, Jyri Rastas. Works or ITE environments from previous years’ ITE artists will also be showcased. 

The exhibition has pieces from both established ITE artists and the newer generation. The exhibition features works from experienced artists such as Enni Idi, Kaarina Staudinger-Loppukaarre, Tyyne Esko, Martta Korhonen, Ensio Tuppurainen, Martti Hömppi, Jorma Pihli, Ilmari ”Imppu” Salminen and Seppo Suomensyrjä, as well as Markku Sarastamo, the ITE Artist of the Year 2025. 

Names such as Marjut Kauppinen (Romurinsessa), Jori Tapio Kalliola, Greger Grönholm, Paula Huhtanen, Leena Nio and Pekka Salminen represent the newer generation of artists. 

The exhibition is divided into six sections, also presenting a documentary by  Veli Granö on ITE environments. Extensive environmental installations and art destinations around Finland attract large audiences every year. 

Bring your erasers 

Some of the works in the exhibitions, such as Teidän syntinne ovat poispyyhityt (‘Your sins have been erased’) by Mauri Korhonen offer the audience the chance to participate in the art installation. Visitors can participate in the installation by bringing an eraser and donating it to the pauper statue that is part of the work.  

The furniture by Paula Huhtanen offer a place to rest and read. Juha Käkelä, Jari Rantanen and Egor Kuklin will decorate the castle courtyard with their chainsaw sculptures that reflect Häme nature and serve as both works of art and as benches.  

Additionally, a participatory work designed in cooperation with Minna Haveri, Head of Cultural Services at Open Cultural Centre ARX, will grow and evolve during the exhibition, created by the visitors themselves. 

The exhibition pieces are on loan directly from the artists themselves or from the collections of the Association for Rural Culture and Education, kept at K. H. Renlund Museum.  

ITE artists at the exhibition

Tavastia 

Enni Id – Padasjoki 

Pekka Salminen – Hämeenlinna 

Markku Sarastamo – Hämeenlinna 

Seppo Suomensyrjä – Lahti, Villähde 

Pirkanmaa  

Paula Huhtanen – Nokia 

Martti Hömppi – Nokia 

Juha Käkelä – Ylöjärvi 

Jari Rantanen – Kangasala  

Jyri Rastas (ITE Artist of the Year 2026) – Tampere 

North Savo  

Joona Hamm (Löpöpunkki) – Kaavi 

Marko Jääskeläinen – Suonenjoki 

Marjut Kauppinen (Romurinsessa) – Lapinlahti 

Mauri Korhonen – Suonenjoki 

South Savo 

Kaarina Staudinger-Loppukaarre – Savonlinna 

Central Finland 

Ilmari “Imppu” Salminen – Petäjävesi 

North Karelia 

Martta Korhonen – Outokumpu 

Kymenlaakso 

Egor Kuklin – Kouvola 

Ensio Tuppurainen – Kouvola 

Uusimaa 

Greger Grönholm – Karjaa 

Jori Tapio Kalliola – Hanko / Rauma  

Leena Nio – Tuusula 

Southwest Finland 

Petri Martikainen – Turku 

Jorma Pihl – Sauvo 

Southern Ostrobothnia 

Esa Leppänen – Alajärvi 

Central Ostrobothnia 

Tyyne Esko – Kokkola 

North Ostrobothnia 

Elisa Kärjä – Kalajoki 

Lapland 

Mirjami Rautio – Kemi 

Carnival – ITE Art at the castle 
Open: 28 May 2026–7 March 2027 
Häme Castle, Kustaa III:n katu 6, 13100 Hämeenlinna