Current Events1. Homer’s Epics2. History of the Stories3. Odysseus in the North4. Troy in Kisko, Finland4.1. Vinci’s theory in the media4.2. Renaissance of Kisko-Seura4.3. Odysseus’s footprints4.4. About Kisko-Seura
In 1995 an art exhibition named Odysseus in the North was held in the grain storage house of Toija. 
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Art ExhibitionsThe very first Odysseus in the North exhibition was organized in the summer of 1994. A number of artists showed their works, all inspired by or interpreting Homer’s epic tales. The inauguration of the first art exhibition was attended by Felice Vinci himself, who even brought along his Roman Rotary friends. Since that year, the art exhibitions have been a part of a regular program of the grain storage. Kisko has been fortunate to have many talented artists, critics and the like to manage the exhibitions. The exhibitions have often attracted the attention of national media and have brought people from all over Finland to visit Toija. Some internationally known artists, such as Rax Rinnekangas, Ramon Zuriarrain (Spain) and J.O.Mallander have had their work on exhibit in Toija. Also less distributed but appreciated Finnish artist have had rare exhibitions here. By the summer of 1998, the Toija grain storage house exhibitions had become such an institution in the area, that day trips were organized from the nearby town to visit artist Viljo Hurme’s studio and home, Toija grain storage house exhibition and the old Fiskars factory area with art galleries. Coronation of Helen of Toija and other eventsAs soosn as the news about Vinci’ theory became known in Finland, it was decided that a Miss Helen of Toija needs to be chosen every year. The person to be chosen needed to be presentable and at ease in front of an audience. She should also be an active member of the community and willing to appear on occasions where Kisko and Toija needed to be present. She would give a face to all the things that Toija and Troy represent. The event made the press every time and was greeted as a charming novelty in the area. Eila Mamia, a local poetry recital amateur, began organizing poetry recital events under the auspices of Kisko-Seura. They had a number of artists and some music, and became immediately extremely popular. These annual events commemorating the late Finnish writer Eino Leino have extended from only one performance to several each summer. In 1996 the local companies together with the cultural enthusiasts organized a two day trade fair which was an exposé of all things wonderful in Kisko. Art, music, produce, services and the products of local craftsmen were displayed and sold. The event was a huge success attracting more than 3000 visitors only on the first day. In 1997 the 650th anniversary of Kisko was celebrated. For this occasion a festival street was arranged with program for all ages. The event lasted for over a week, which is quite an effort for a small community like Toija. |
