Kimmo Ylönen’s work Green flag of knowledge encourages people to pay attention to the wellbeing of their local stream and, through that, to the state of the world’s waters. In May, Ylönen will hold workshops where participants build watermills together to be installed in the Plaanaoja stream. Registration for the free workshops is now open.

The work, built from natural materials, consists of a frame and a wheel turned by water power. The paddles of the wheel tap the lower end of a rod attached to its axle. At the top of the rod, a leaf from a local plant swings, acting as a flag. This automated prayer wheel of environmental knowledge works until it safely breaks down into the stream.

There are two workshops open for general registration, each with space for six makers: independently working adults or young people, or a guided pair such as a child with an adult or an adult/young person with reduced functional capacity. The workshops take place on Sat 16 May and Sat 23 May from 12–16 at Cultural Centre Valve (Hallituskatu 7, Oulu). The workshops are free for participants. Binding pre‑registration is required. Places are filled in order of registration. Register for only one workshop.

Registration form for the workshop on Sat 16 May, 12–16.
Registration form for the workshop on Sat 23 May, 12–16.

The workshop provides basic materials for building a watermill, and the workshop leader has prepared axles and paddles in advance. Participants may bring their own materials, such as natural decorations for their watermill or natural wood for building a mill in their own style. In the workshops, participants build the watermill’s frame, decorations, and of course the green flag. Tools used include a knife, drill, and saw. NOTE: Participants are not insured by the organizer. At the end of May, after the workshops, the artist will install all the mills created in the workshops into the Plaanaoja stream for everyone to see.

The workshops are part of the ARToulu art area, produced by the Oulu Artists’ Association as part of Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year.