Works of art and monuments
Saarijärvi is rich in artistic works related to the history and artists of the local area. A number of notable examples are introduced below. An excellent place to start is the Saarijärvi Museum's Sculpture Park, which features numerous works by Saarijärvi-born artists.
Paavo of Saarijärvi (Paavon patsas)
Saarijärvi is known traditionally in Finland as the home of Paavo of Saarijärvi, the national hero and creation of Finland's national poet J. L. Runeberg. Paavo, a tough Finnish peasant was seen as the archetype of Finnish "sisu" or resilience. The spirit of Paavo of Saarijärvi still lives on today among numerous successful figures in the fields of culture and enterprise who can claim to trace their roots to this area. The character of Paavo is also epitomised by the desire to help others. These two characteristics are also integral to the modern spirit and quality of life of Saarijärvi which the town strives to reinforce and to share with others.
Paavo's statue stands near to the church's main entrance in the Saarijärvi Church yard.
The Globe Monument (Maapallopatsas)
The Globe Monument was built by gunsmith Matti Rutanen (22.2.1888- 6.10.1964) of Mahlu during the years 1950-1955. The statue is made of concrete, iron, copper and glass and depicts an interpretation by Rutanen of Christ Jesus on the cross and preaching, Mary the mother of God and the past and future of mankind. The script at the foot of the statue presents the "divine message" received by Rutanen during his revelation. The statue is situated close to the artist's own dwellings. It is said that, among others, President Urho Kekkonen (then Prime Minister of Finland) donated FIM 6,000 towards the work's completion. During its creation and for years after its completion the statue was an object of some considerable attention and became something of a major tourist attraction. The monument's grand unveiling ceremony was to have been the most memorable event in the town's history - invitations were to be sent to a swathe of dignitaries and heads of state, including Queen Elisabeth II. Indeed, the centremost building on the site was reserved especially for the disposal of Her Majesty herself. The ceremony was, sadly, never to come to pass... Matti was a gunsmith, a fisherman and a hunter. The Globe Monument was restored in 1973 under the instruction of sculptor Kain Tapper and was later roofed. The sculpture, together with its backdrop of buildings, forms a work of significant cultural-historical importance.
The Crying Stone (Tarmo Mann Memorial; Kain Tapper)
This unique sculpture is a memorial to the late Saarijärvi-born art professor and actor Tarmo Mann. The work is situated on the bank of the Hernesalmi Mill stream in the village of Lannevesi, Saarijärvi. The most distinctive feature of the sculpture is its capacity to continually seep water from its surface, thus coating the stone in water (seen only during the summer months). Academician, sculptor Kain Tapper, 2000. Situated close to the Jyväskylä-Uurainen-Saarijärvi road sign.