How are soil, forests and microbes intertwined with the wellbeing of our planet? How can we connect with what we cannot see? These questions are explored through a dialogue between artists and researchers in the exhibition Soil Dwellers and its accompanying events.

Soil Dwellers approaches forest soil ecosystems and their organisms in collaboration with artists Liina Aalto-Setälä, Alma Heikkilä, Riikka Keränen and Teemu Lehmusruusu.

The artists’ works and methods are deeply rooted in diverse forest communities. Connections are built through observation, play, research and storytelling. In the artworks, the soil continues to refine itself as a partner in the artist’s process, while its organisms intertwine, forming dreamlike suggestions of life.

Guided tours of the exhibition are available on two Sundays: 2 November at 13:00 in English and 23 November at 13:00 in Finnish. As part of the exhibition programme, there will also be a course day for teachers and workshops for schoolchildren.

The Metsämaaperän eliöt ja monimuotoisuus (forest soil organisms and biodiversity) course day for teachers offers multidisciplinary perspectives on forest ecosystems, the hidden life in soil, the relationship between humans and the environment, and the impact of human activity. The programme encourages dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration and understanding among professionals in education, science and the arts.

The day features lectures by educators, researchers and artists: Jussi Heinonsalo (Professor in the Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki), Riikka Hohti (Associate Professor of Sustainable Futures in Education and Ethics, University of Helsinki), Teemu Lehmusruusu (Artist, Doctoral Researcher, Aalto University) and Saana Kataja-aho (PhD, University Teacher, University of Jyväskylä).

 The overall concept was created by Evolution in Action, a group of artists, art educators, biologists and researchers developing workshops and teaching materials that combine science education with art-based methods. Evolution in Action operates under the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä, as part of the Muumaa project funded by the Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella programme.

 Nature House Villa Elfvik is open Mon–Fri 9:00–15:00 and Sat–Sun 10:00–16:00. Café Elfvik is open on Sundays during the museum’s opening hours. The exhibition and its accompanying events are free of charge.