The Free Art School’s Graduation Exhibition Vapaa ’26 opens on 24 April.

Mikko Haiko, Senja Jokiranta, Ranja Kankaanranta, Laura Lilius, Sanzhi Namdykov, Olesya Nedostoynaya, Kaisa Nykänen, Jonna Raunio, Joonas Räsänen, Milla Tarpio, Lauri Tuomiranta, Gloria Velasco and Hanna Vuorenmaa will graduate as painters after completing four years of study.

During the fourth year at the Free Art School, students work independently and develop their artistic practice from their own starting points. In addition to the rectors, the work is guided by artists or other experts chosen by the students themselves. The final year culminates in the degree exhibition. Alongside producing their own body of work, the students also participate in many aspects of organising and installing the exhibition. The exhibition design and architecture are overseen by rector Elina Merenmies.

A trilingual exhibition catalogue, Vapaa ’26, will be published at the opening. The catalogue essay is written by Vice Rector Hannaleena Heiska, and the artist presentations by art critic Helen Korpak. The photographer is the Free Art School’s producer Virppi Sysilehto, and the graphic design is by Pekka Toivonen.

This spring the degree exhibition will remain open one week longer than in previous years:
Sat 25 April – Sun 17 May.

You are warmly welcome to the opening on Friday 24 April 2026 from 5 pm at Puristamo, Kaapelitehdas. Please see the exhibition page for further details.

We thank the companies that have supported the exhibition:
Artek, Corona Baari & Biljardi, Farbe, Parvs, ReplicaDent, Suomen Luonnonmaalit, Tempera ja Yön Sahaus.