A public artwork commissioned under the Percent for Art principle for the new Ahvenisjärvi School

The starting point for Siirtolohkareet (Erratic boulders) by Kalle Mustonen was a large boulder located in the yard of the old school, which had long been a popular gathering place for students. Mustonen modeled the boulder and created two wooden sculptures from it: one for the school lobby and another for the outdoor area near the main entrance. The work will become part of the collections managed by Tampere Art Museum.

“What made this enormous undertaking easier was that I was brought in as an artist right from the very beginning. I had the opportunity to take my time getting to know the environment and meeting the future users of the building. The architect even moved walls so that my work would fit the overall design better. The extensive groundwork carried out together with different parties is reflected in the artwork, and I am extremely pleased with the final result. It was specifically the public artworks I encountered in school environments that influenced my own career choice.” 

Construction of the Ahvenisjärvi School began in 2024, and the new school is scheduled for completion in August 2026. In addition to teaching facilities, the school complex for approximately 1,100 students will include a gymnasium, a multipurpose hall, and spaces intended for evening and weekend use. A daycare center is also planned for the area at a later stage.