Anniversary Exhibition Free 90 | HAM
Detail from Elga Sesemann’s work Self-Portrait with Yellow Pot, 1943. Photo: HAM/Hanna Kukorelli
Congratulations to the Free Art School – 90 Years!
The Free Art School, originally named Fria Målarskolan, was founded 90 years ago on January 15, 1935, at Eteläranta in Helsinki.
The school’s first director was its founder, Maire Gullichsen, and the first teachers were Erkki Kulovesi, William Lönnberg, and Carl Wargh.
In 2025, the Free Art School is a private institution focused on painting, located at the Cable Factory in Helsinki. The school offers a full-time, four-year study program leading to a professional qualification in painting. In addition to the degree program, the school organizes open drawing courses and lectures, exhibitions, and art-related publications. The school is currently led by Rector Elina Merenmies and Associate Rector Hannaleena Heiska.
The 90th anniversary will be celebrated in many ways throughout the year
A jubilee exhibition, organized in collaboration with HAM Helsinki Art Museum, will open in spring 2025. The exhibition will be accompanied by lectures, workshops, and a seminar focused on painting. A 90th anniversary book will also be published in collaboration with HAM and publishing house Parvs. The book will serve both as an exhibition catalogue and as a nonfiction publication exploring the school’s history and unique pedagogical approach. The graduation exhibition Vapaa ’25 will open in May at Puristamo, Cable Factory.
The full anniversary programme will be announced in spring 2025 on our renewed website and shared via our social media channels. Welcome to join us in celebrating the art of painting!
Read more about the anniversary book:
Free Art School