Soil is alive, ancient, and vital—and so much more
A one-day workshop for adults that explores soil from both scientific and artistic perspectives. The workshop will be led by Australian artist Ellenor Rose Nish, who has a background in biology.
The workshop is part of the international SOILSCAPE project. The workshop will tour various locations in Finland.
What to expect
Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Morning
Lecture on the natural history of soil, organisms living in the soil, and climate change.
Afternoon
Outdoor soil observation.
Indoor workshop where observations are translated into art using soil and other natural materials.
Throughout the day, we will discuss, ask questions, and reflect together. No prior experience is required. All you need is curiosity.
Soilscape
SOILCAPE seeks to understand and build on the current societal perceptions and relationship between people and soil. At its core, it will establish a self-sustaining network of eight Soils and Arts Orchestras, bringing together over 440 multidisciplinary actors across Europe to raise soil literacy and engagement. Through dynamic and transparent open call initiatives, the project will harness the power of art to deepen public understanding of soils – Earth’s most vital resource. It aims to empower more than 5,000 citizens and professionals to actively care for soils, while showcasing successful initiatives to a wider audience, reaching at least 20,000 participants annually at the 10 Soil Festivals. Extending its symphony beyond Europe to 30 regions worldwide, SOILSCAPE becomes a beacon of hope, reminding the world to treasure and protect the foundation of life itself.
Ellenor Rose Nish
Ellenor Rose Nish (b. 1997, Nhulunbuy, Australia) is an artist with an art-science-based practice led by natural sciences. Her artworks weave a necessary narrative by, for example, preserving biological diversity into the deep future and deepening the relationship between nature and people. She works in a way that fosters softness and care. She completed a Bachelor of Biology at the Australian National University, and a Bachelor and Master of Fine Art at the Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki.
Website: https://studiomokii.com/who/
More info:
ellenor.nish@uniarts.fi. Further details will be sent to registered participants via email.
Arrival at Kalevan Navetta
The Äärellä restaurant is open during the workshop on the 1st floor, and the exhibitions at Kunsthalle Seinäjoki are open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Nyykoolinkatu 25, 60100 Seinäjoki. The main entrance to the building is located on the side of the courtyard between Kalevan Navetta and the Itikanmäki residential buildings. You can reach Kalevan Navetta on foot or by bike via Vaasantie or across the Lakeuden aamunkoi bridge over Pohjan valtatie.
There are approximately 50 parking spaces for customers around Kalevan Navetta. The first two (2) hours are free with a ticket from the parking meter or a parking app, and subsequent hours cost €1/hour. The nearest public parking lot is located on Maakunnankatu, about 700 meters from the building. On busy event days, we recommend using other modes of transportation instead of a car or, if necessary, parking your car in the Maakunnankatu parking lot.