An unexpected treasured gift

We have been teaching two classes at the Tyovaen Akatemia (apologies for the misspelling) about America. It has been a delightful experience and we are truly sorry that our association with the students there has come to an end. We taught the class as a part of our missionary service. The school gave us lunch each day we taught--there were some really great salmon meals along the way and wonderful breads every time. Our supervisor, Liisa Savola, met us after our last class and gave us a gift. Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be a Oiva Toikka bird by Iittala. It was a very generous gift and will be a treasured memory of our time in Finland. Here's a little information about the artist:

Professor Oiva Toikka (1931) is one of the greatest names in Finnish glass. His imaginative, rich and bold glass art deviates from the streamlined aesthetic of Nordic design. He has worked in the performing arts for as long as he has in glass. The Birds collection is Toikka's best-known work. He has enjoyed an international career and received numerous awards, among them Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal, World Glass Now 85 Award, Kaj Franck Design Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. (And beginning in February 2007 his work can be seen in our display cabinent in Silver Spring, MD.)