Museums and Exhibitions
Paateri

Home and atelier of sculptress and her greatest creation: church of Paateri

The home and atelier of Eva Ryynäsen (1915–2001) exhibits the life of Eva and her husband, Paavo Ryynänen. The story of their life comes to life at the photo exhibition in the atelier. The unique wooden Paateri Church, Eva’s largest work which was completed in 1991, is in the village of Vuonisjärvi, approx. 27km from Lieksa town centre. From Koli Paateri can be reached on boat over Lake Pielinen, either with an organised boat tour or with your own small boat.

Famed master of the wood sculpting

Eva, born in Northern Savonia, started sculpting animal figures, such as birds, cats and horses, already as a child. She was accepted to study in Ateneum in Helsinki in 1934 with her breath-taking sculpture Hiidenkivellä. In 1944 she married farmer Paavo Ryynänen and they settled in Paateri, where over the years astonishing 500 sculptures were created. They can be admired in the home and atelier as well as in the gallery-café while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.