Curriculum

Studies are full-time — averaging 30 hours per week — from Monday to Friday.

From Monday to Thursday, first- to third-year students work under the guidance of one or more lead instructors, along with visiting teachers during specific periods.

Fridays are reserved for joint activities shared by all painting classes. These include seminars introduced by fourth-year students, lectures on art and culture, artist talks, and life drawing sessions — with a particular emphasis on croquis drawing.

Lecturers and speakers include professionals from the fields of art and culture, as well as practicing artists.

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of visual thinking. Drawing plays a central role in the curriculum. The basics of painting are explored through observation, with a focus on oil painting techniques.

The academic year is divided into themed instructional periods, each lasting approximately two weeks. Colour theory is enriched by an intensive course based on Josef Albers’s research on the interaction of colours. The curriculum also includes an introductory course in composition. Material studies are covered during three weeks of preparatory surface treatment and priming courses.

Of the approximately 24 first-year students, around 14 are selected to continue to the second through fourth years.

Students who complete the first year receive a certificate in preparatory studies in painting. Those continuing to the second year pursue a four-year professional programme in painting.

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of materials in oil painting and are introduced to other painting techniques.

Two-week intensive courses in both watercolour and tempera painting are offered under the guidance of visiting instructors. In addition, the colour theory studies from the first year are expanded through a two-week advanced intensive course.

The curriculum also includes an advanced course in composition.

The main objective of the third year is to encourage students to work independently and to support them in discovering their own artistic voice.

Guided primarily through interaction with a team of three instructors, students are encouraged to explore and develop personal, individual solutions in their work.

During the fourth year, students work independently under the personalized guidance of appointed artist mentors. Aside from this mentorship, studies are largely self-directed.

A central part of the final year is the thesis process, which includes seminar discussions introduced by fourth-year students. The goal is to develop students’ verbal and critical thinking skills — their ability to articulate and frame the content of their artistic work, reflect on their creative process, and engage in meaningful artistic dialogue. Second- and third-year students also participate in these seminar panels.

The year culminates in a graduation exhibition. In practice, much of the academic year is devoted not only to developing the artworks but also to organizing the exhibition — including communications, spatial planning, fundraising, and more.

The Free Art School holds Erasmus+ accreditation for the European Union’s 2021–2027 programme period.

International activities include study trips, teacher exchanges, and visits from guest lecturers from abroad, with a particular focus on Nordic cooperation.

Teachers for the Academic Year 2024–2025

Erik Creutziger, Erno Enkenberg, Jussi Goman, Siiri Haarla, Ville Hakanen, Aura Hakuri, Marjatta Hanhijoki, Hannaleena Heiska, Karoliina Hellberg, Eveliina Hämäläinen, Tuomo Laakso, Elina Merenmies, Teemu Mäenpää, Antti Narmala, Leena Nio, Pilvi Ojala, Benjamin Orlow, Tiina Pyykkinen, Stiina Saaristo, Anni Terävä, Pauliina Turakka Purhonen, Juha-Heikki Tihinen, Aki Turunen

Academic Year 2024–2025

Autumn Term: 9 September – 13 December 2024
Autumn Break: 14 – 18 October 2024
Spring Term: 7 January – 31 May 2025
Winter Break: 17 – 21 February 2025

Academic Year 2025–2026

Autumn Term: 8 September – 12 December 2025
Autumn Break: 13 – 17 October 2025
Spring Term: 5 January – 29 May 2026
Winter Break: 16 – 20 February 2026