Submitted by Museum of Glass

Iittala’s Birds by Toikka return to Museum of Glass (MOG) for the 14th consecutive year from September 22-24, 2017.  The internationally-renowned glass creations from Finland’s glass giant, Iittala are the focus of Bird Lovers’ Weekend, which will feature several opportunities to celebrate wild birds. In addition, Finland celebrates 100 years of independence in 2017 and this milestone provides a background to some of the weekend’s activities.

Museum of Glass Kestrel
American Kestrel, designed by Oiva Toikka. Photo courtesy: Iittala Inc.

We are honored to have Finnish master glassblowers Helena Welling and Juha Saarikko create glass birds designed by the legendary Professor Oiva Toikka in the MOG Hot Shop Friday, through Sunday. Over 30 birds designed by Professor Toikka will also be displayed in the Grand Hall. The birds are part of a promised gift from Paul Kangas.

During Bird Lovers’ Weekend, visitors can take a limited-edition American Kestrel home. One of the newest Birds by Toikka, the Kestrel is an exclusive design made for Museum of Glass. It will be introduced and sold only at the Museum of Glass Store for several months before being made available on a broader basis. In addition to the Kestrel, birds handmade in the Hot Shop by Welling and Saarikko will be available for purchase on September 23 and 24. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence, we will be counting down the time it will take to make 100 birds in our Hot Shop.

Bird Lovers’ Weekend events include a variety of art and educational activities, featuring an opportunity to study and interact with live falcons, under the direction of Northwoods Falconry, a display sharing the biology of birds provided by Slater Museum, an opportunity to discuss the ways the Tahoma Audubon Society connects people to birds and nature, and the chance to watch Finnish musical group, Evergreen Livakat Kantele perform traditional Finnish songs.

Schedule of events

Friday, September 22

  • 10:00 a.m. – 5 pm: Birds by Toikka glass bird-making demonstrations by Iittala artists in the Hot Shop.
  • 10:00 a.m. – 5 pm: Moomin movies will be shown in the theater.
  • Design your own bird for $500 per person; $450 members. Email tfindlay@museumofglass.org or call 253-284-4734 for details and reservations.
  • Birds handmade in the Hot Shop by Welling and Saarikko will be available for purchase on September 23 and 24.

Saturday, September 23

  • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Birds by Toikka glass bird-making demonstrations by Iittala artists in the Hot Shop.
  • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Visit Tahoma Audubon’s table to learn about birds!
  • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: See displays from Slater Museum on the biology of birds.
  • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Moomin movies will be shown in the theater.
  • 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Children 12 and under are invited to submit bird designs for a chance to have their design transformed into glass. Winner will be selected at 1:30 p.m., and the transformation will take place in the Hot Shop at 2:00 p.m..
  • 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Enjoy a special visit with Brad Wood of Northwoods Falconry to learn about these amazing birds of prey.
  • 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Participate in the hands-on workshop and make a bird-related mosaic in celebration of the Iittala event.  $15 per person/$10 for MOG members.
  • Design your own bird for $500 per person; $450 members. Email tfindlay@museumofglass.org or call 253-284-4734 for details and reservations.
  • Birds handmade in the Hot Shop by Welling and Saarikko will be available for purchase on September 24.
Smithsonian Day – September 23 is the national event called Smithsonian Day Live!  This annual celebration of curiosity is hosted by Smithsonian magazine.  Free entry is provided to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket. Visit the Smithsonian magazine website for free admission tickets.
Museum of Glass
Two glass artists from Iittala creating one of the birds. Photo courtesy: Museum of Glass.

Sunday, September 24

  • 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Museum Member Brunch. The morning will also include an opportunity to have a bird signed by Iittala artists, Helena Welling and Juha Saarikko. Members will enjoy the sounds of Evergreen Livakat Kantele, a bird-inspired scavenger hunt with prizes, along with a special visit from Northwoods Falconry. Non-members may purchase a ticket to attend for $15.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Enjoy a special visit with Brad Wood of Northwoods Falconry to learn about these amazing birds of prey.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Livakat’s live Finnish Kantele music by will fill the Grand Hall throughout the day.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Birds by Toikka glass bird-making demonstrations by Iittala artists in the Hot Shop.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Visit Tahoma Audubon’s table to learn about birds!
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: See displays from Slater Museum on the biology of birds.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Moomin movies will be shown in the theater.
  • 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Children 12 and under are invited to submit bird designs for a chance to have their design transformed into glass. Winner will be selected at 1:30 p.m., and the transformation will take place in the Hot Shop at 2:00 p.m..
  • 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Participate in the hands-on workshop and make a bird-related mosaic in celebration of the Iittala event.  $15 per person/$10 for MOG members.
  • Design your own bird for $500 per person; $450 members. Email tfindlay@museumofglass.org or call 253-284-4734 for details and reservations.

Bird Lovers’ Weekend activities are free with paid admission to Museum of Glass, unless indicated otherwise.