National Sauna Week is February 16-22, 2025
Sauna Poster Contest 2025
Congratulations to Vilmo Törmälä who created the winning entry in the second National Sauna Week poster contest.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Vilmo Törmälä combines his passion for computer graphics and programming with digital art, blending creativity with advanced technology. While he draws deep inspiration from foreign cultures, his heart remains connected to his Finnish roots and the memories of life at the “Mökki”—especially the sauna. His father’s passion for building saunas has always influenced him, and Vilmo eagerly contributes, whether by cutting planks on the jigsaw or carefully crafting a new “SAUNA” sign. Through his art, he aims to share a glimpse of how much the sauna means to him, capturing both the warmth and tradition it symbolizes in Finnish life.
For chapter inquiries: please email communications@finlandiafoundation.org
Chapters! Apply for a mini-grant today for 2025.
Finlandia Foundation National has designated February 16-22, 2025, as National Sauna Week, a celebration of the authentic Finnish sauna and its rich cultural significance. FFN chapters are encouraged to host events and can apply for a mini-grant of up to $300, with priority given to events scheduled during the official week. Applications are due by January 15, 2025, at 11:59 PST for events taking place between the period of January through March.
Mark your calendar, watch for program details and enter the
3rd National Sauna Week Poster Art Contest
ENTRY DEADLINE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN 2025.
Finlandia Foundation National announces its 2nd Annual Sauna Week Art Contest for National Sauna Week, February 16-22, 2025. The poster art will promote the authentic Finnish sauna and events surrounding the fourth annual celebration.
The competition is open to those 18 and older who reside in the U.S.
Deadline for entry will be announced in 2025.
For contest information, guidelines and entry form
Sauna Poster Contest Winner 2024
Congratulations to Debbie Paver of Calumet, Michigan, who created the winning entry in the first National Sauna Week poster contest.
“I am incredibly excited to be a part of this tradition,” says Debbie. The graphic designer grew up in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and loves calling the Upper Peninsula and the Keweenaw Peninsula home. She enjoys hiking, time with her dog and her “beloved Lake Superior,” rockhounding, photography, vinyl records and invitations to her friends’ saunas.
In her Artist Statement Paver says, “For National Sauna Week I want to celebrate the sauna’s role as a central opportunity to rejuvenate, meditate and connect with your own mind, body and spirit. In the heart of winter when our region is cascaded in a palette of blues, whites and grays, the beckoning warmth of the sauna shines brightest. This piece is a celebration of the power of the sauna’s abilities to warm us to the core and provide the energy to wholly enjoy and appreciate both the power and majestic beauty of a Keweenaw winter.”
The judges—noted Vermont artist and FFN Artist of the Year Eric Aho and Finlandia Art Gallery Director and Curator Carrie Vander Veen—pored over the 15 entries from all corners of the United States.
They were impressed by many of the designs submitted, and engaged in quite a bit of discussion before deciding on Debbie Paver’s interpretation, saying, “We liked the elegant, refined view of the winter palette of the Keweenaw and also the inviting warmth of the sauna, making the sauna experience welcoming to all.”