Four women from Ostrobothnia went on a weekend trip to Italy in mid-September with suitcases full of local design expertise. Liiveri is involved in the Europe WITHEU project of citizens from six countries, whose seminar was organized in the town of Collecchio at the same time as the local big market. We became part of the European Market together with Croatia, Sweden and Spain. Some sold food products and we sold design and crafts.
Heading to the market with excitement. From left: Johanna Rintamäki, Niina Keltamäki, Anna Koskimäki and Kati Auranen.
Southern Ostrobothnia was represented by Niina Keltamäki NiinaKoo behind the sign, To Huttaro entrepreneurs Anna Koskimäki and Kati Auranen and signed by Johanna Rintamäki Liiveri government and Seinäjoki Art & Design Week as a representative. NiinaKoo's material is paper, from which she creates both graphic art and cute little book jewelry. The business idea of the recently founded Huttaroo is based on jewelry, which is made in the shape of a picture sent by the customer. Most often, the picture is a child's drawing, from which the women of Huttaroo create, for example, a key chain. I packed products from three local designers in my bag: GetBlin 3D printed jewelry, Irina K Design prints and Crumbpumpula cards, trays and children's clothes decorated with patterns.
Finland women at their sales booth, from left: Niina Keltamäki, Kati Auranen, Johanna Rintamäki and Anna Koskimäki.
The European Market was part of the Sagra della Croce market, the city's largest annual event. Around 200 market vendors were spread out across the city and a large funfair loomed in the middle of the area, where young people in particular gathered to spend time.
Representatives of their twin town from Butzbach, Germany, had also been invited to Collecchio at the same time, so there was an international group of almost 70 of us bringing color to the small Italian town. Other content had also been gathered around the market event, such as an exhibition by local artist Claudio Cesari. The dinners had been organized by various associations and organizations. Cheeses, pastas and various hams were naturally the focus of the menus.
There is a saying that when you travel far, you see closer. We proved that Finns are far too modest with their language skills and the quality of their products. The world is open – boldly go for it!
Text: Johanna Rintamäki
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