Naantali — The opening ceremony of this year’s sculpture exhibition in the garden of Kurtaranta, the official summer residence of the President of Finland in Naantali, southwestern Finland, was harmonious, if not greedy.
The exhibition entitled “Luonong Muotoja (Natural Form)” is the first exhibition in a long time. In the fall, major renovations, including the garden, will take place over the next two years.
President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio (President Niinistö in a blue suit, Mrs. Haukio in a white jacket and black and white shirt dress) walked slowly, sculptor Essi Colva and others. The artist spoke. Exhibited in the Finnish version of the Versailles Park, decorated with flower gardens, pergolas, gazebos, fountains and trails, their work is a magnificent granite erected by many state leaders in the National Romantic style. It crosses next to the main building. Completed in 1916, it was designed by the famous Finnish architect Larssonk.
“When you enter the forest and sit on a tree stump, you become one with the surrounding nature,” said sculptor Essi Colva.
