Hundreds of artists and art enthusiasts have visited the Finnish Union of Art Organizations' residence in Karjalohja during the association's history. It is a familiar and important service in the activities of our union. How much do you know about the possibilities and history of the residence? Test your knowledge of Vilniemi with the following 10 facts! More information can be found on our website, which also includes a link to a document on the history of Vilniemi and its notable artist Georg Sigurd Wettenhovi-Aspa (1870-1946).

Suomenkielisen version löydät täältä.

1. The Vilniemi residence was a donation

In the 1940s, the Finnish Association of Art Organizations received a bequest from Finnish artist and cultural figure Georg Sigurd Wettenhovi-Aspa, consisting of a plot of land and a villa located in Vilniemi, Karjalohja.

2. The villa was designed by the artist himself

Wettenhovi-Aspa designed and built the original pyramid-roofed villa in Vilniemi himself in the early 20th century.

3. Wettenhovi-Aspa's bold style

The artist Wettenhovi-Aspa was a bushy-haired gentleman who was sometimes seen wearing a white "monk's robe," sometimes a military safari suit, and sometimes a Japanese riding outfit.

4. A glimpse of history on the residence grounds

Next to the current residence cottage, you can find the remains of a villa built and designed by Aspa. Events and tours have also been organized on the grounds, where visitors can learn about the life of Wettenhovi-Aspa.

5. A cottage on spacious grounds

Residency guests have plenty of space for their thoughts and peace and quiet on 3.5 hectares of land. The plot includes several small beaches, in case you get tired of swimming from the same beach during your residency week! A map is being planned to help guests get a better idea of the size of the grounds.

6. Vuorikoski Mill – a charming place to visit, just a bike ride away from the residence

The area is home to the picturesque Vuorikoski Mill, which has a café, a craft shop, and a small gallery in the summer. Perhaps you would like to visit Vilniemi and see an exhibition at the old mill? For more information, visit https://www.vuorikoskenmylly.com/

7. A variety of places to visit

A short rowing trip from the residence is the Lohja Spa & Resort spa hotel, which also offers a wide range of restaurant services. A little further away are the Fiskars and Billnäs ironworks villages, the historic Mustio Castle, and the Tytyri adventure mine. However, these attractions are better reached by other means of transport than by rowing boat.

8. Maintenance of the residence from generation to generation

The residence property is managed by Mikko Ohvo, who knows the cottage and its grounds like the back of his hand.

9. Vilniemi residence – also available to organizations

Visual arts organizations can also apply for a residency period, for example, for recreation or work, such as an intensive period of strategy or other development work. A new environment gets the creative juices flowing!

10. New transportation option for visitors without cars!

Until now, visiting the residence has been easiest by car, as it is 1.5 km from the center of Karjalohja to the residence, and the key collection point is also some distance from the residence. Transporting drinking water has also been easiest by car. Starting next season, the residence will be accessible from the center of Karjalohja by paid car service. The service is still in the planning stages, but the preliminary price is estimated to be 20-30 euros.