Four generations meet in KWUM’s Summer Exhibition

The summer exhibition at the studio ceramics museum and gallery KWUM celebrates the 50-year career of the award-winning ceramic artist Karin Widnäs. The exhibition Four Generations presents Karin’s work spanning her entire artistic career – from early pieces to more recent production.

Karin Widnäs quite literally grew up surrounded by porcelain and painting. Her mother, Olga Widnäs, was a skilled and respected porcelain painter who also studied abroad. She founded a porcelain painting school in Helsinki and ran her own porcelain shop. Today, her works are displayed on the upper floor of KWUM – delicate, intricately hand-painted porcelain objects that demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship. Karin’s father also contributed to the business; with a steady hand, he painted the characteristic gold-rimmed coffee sets.

“Since I was a child, I was allowed to decorate anything and as much as I wanted in my mother’s shop. My mother never said no to me,” Karin recalls. Her parents hoped she would take over the family business, but when the porcelain painting program at TAIK was discontinued, she chose ceramics instead. “I don’t regret that choice,” says Karin.

The creative talent and sense of design clearly run in the family. Her son, Dick Weckström, designed a spice jar at the age of 12, which is now displayed in one of the showcases. Her grandchild, Alec Weckström, a trained electrician, has created his own lighting fixtures where a ceramic hand holds a lamp. His great passion – Formula 1 cars – is also featured in the exhibition.

When asked whether Karin has passed on her mother’s permissive approach to creativity to the next generation, she answers: “Absolutely.”

There is no doubt that design, creativity, and an eye for detail run like a common thread through the family. The exhibition Four Generations is on view at the studio ceramics museum and gallery KWUM from June 24 to September 27, 2026