The Fulbright
From the historic Nuutajärvi Glass Village in Finland, Jonathan worked closely with a lively and involved community of independent glass artists to challenge the narrative that the longstanding tradition of Finnish glass has become a dying art. His research aimed to develop effective inclusion and cultural exchange strategies within a cooperative studio practice. To that end, he collaborated with twenty-six Finnish glass artists to create distinct works of art, underscoring the importance of solidarity in studio glass and the evolving role that internationalization plays in its posterity.
The resulting summer-long exhibition, titled Why Not? Finnish American Art Glass was the synthesis of his Fulbright experience. Accessible to the public, the exhibition embraced rich cultural heritage while showcasing contemporary innovation in artistic research. It was a form of public outreach, giving visitors from all over Finland an active and memorable experience in glass. The village’s decision to raise the American and Finnish flags to acknowledge and celebrate the partnership was particularly meaningful. Jonathan enjoyed strong support in Finland, thanks to his wife and two children, who served as natural ambassadors in the rural glass village.
While much of his Fulbright project was focused in the glass studio, Jonathan served as a visiting artist and lecturer at Aalto University and Tavastia Vocational College. He also wrote an article on his Fulbright exchange for the Finnish Glass Museum’s annual journal and engaged with various Finnish media to help promote the exhibition. Currently, Jonathan works as a professional glass artist in Columbus, Ohio, and teaches at The Ohio State University.
Participating artists - left to right back to front: Johannes Rantasalo, Lea Swantz, Marika Kinnunen, Antti Torstensson, Teemu Kylvö, Otto Koivuranta, Kaappo Lähdesmäki, Jonathan Capps, Markku Salo, Alma Jantunen, Jenni Sorsa, Heikki Viinikainen, Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen, Kirsti Taiviola, Henni Eliala, Kimmo Reinikka, Johanna Smith, Camilla Moberg, Gina Salaris, Jenni Salminen, Aada Vainio, Paula Pääkkönen, Heikki Punkari (not pictured), Helmi Remes (not pictured), Milla Vaahtera (not pictured), Anu Penttinen (not pictured)
Project Sponsors:
Jonathan Capps and Finnish Glass Maestro Heikki Punkari collaborating at the Iittala Factory on their exhibition project titled Kevätkallio, 2019
An overview of the Collaborative Art created for
Why Not? Finnish American Art Glass
