Joseph Cavalieri is an artist and teacher based in New York City. He was invited to a month long residency at Vanha Paukku in July 2022. Joseph’s permanent stained glass art installation hangs in the Chapel of the cultural center. The title of Joseph’ work is “Leijuva Metsa” or Floating Forest. It is hand painted, air-brushed stained glass made during his July 2022 artist residency. Certain elements in the art relate to Finland and to the Chapel. - The horizontal raindrops associate the art with the harsh weather in Finland. - The green background pattern tiles were silk-screened by students during a workshop Joseph taught here in Vanha Paukka. - The tall triangular trees link the art to the massive Finland forests. The points and brassy color of the trees are similar to pointy sharp ammunition. Before Vanha Paukka was a cultural center it was an ammunition factory. Sadly in 1976 forty workers were killed in an explosion, Finland’s worst industrial disaster. If you count the triangular trees inside of the three arches there are forty. Joseph is honoring those 40 people and saying they are in an enlightened place floating above us. - The border is a signature pattern Joseph often uses in his glass work. Next time you are at the cultural centre please stop by to see this in person. By the way, If you count the triangular trees inside the arches there are actually 41. Joseph did this on purpose to say right now YOU are there, close to the people this Chapel is dedicated to.

I was honored to be chosen to do a month long art residency in this cultural centre for July 2022. My favorites: - awesome museums - photography collection - gallery small gift shop - linen & wool fabrics shop - two great restaurants