Art workshop

Over the decades, the number of residents at Kirsikoti has reached full capacity, the range of activities has expanded significantly and innumerable works of art have been created in the art workshop. Art education and workshop activities are individually tailored and diverse in content. During daytime activities, courses are organized under the guidance of professional teachers and artists, taking the residents' preferences into account. Visual arts have become a central focus over the years. Each artist in the house has a strong, unique vision of the kind of art they wish to create.

Kirsikoti, along with its residents and staff, has received both national and international recognition. The residents of Kirsikoti have played a key role as art created by people with developmental disabilities and its appreciation have become important topics of discussion in Finland.

The artists of Kirsikoti have participated in both private, communal and group exhibitions held in Finland and internationally. Their work has been displayed in art museums across Finland, including Kiasma and Koli, as well as in various exhibitions in North Karelia, Italy, Germany, and other European countries. In the fall of 2013, a collaborative exhibition with the Chinese Huiling organization was displayed in China. 

"We make a lot of art. We create products for sale and sometimes as gifts. We also make paintings, towels, tray cloths, aprons, baby blankets, potholders, baby towels, and face towels. Sometimes we take custom orders. We make waxed fabrics, book covers, clothing, bags and other pouches, throw blankets, pillowcases, storage boxes, and key cabinets." –Piia