Contemporary folk artist Tapio Autio’s unique studio is located in Lappajärvi. Covering hundreds of square metres, the complex contains concrete statues, rock paintings and stone buildings. As his material, Autio uses various rock types, such as slate from Pihtipudas and stone from Viranperä in Alajärvi. The buildings’ walls also contain some rare rock types.
Since 1995, Autio has realised his dream by building and painting to create this unique complex on a farm he bought for the purpose. Tapolanvuori’s massive concrete statues, buildings and paintings are the fruit of one man’s intensive labour. The feat has required both physical and mental strength. By training, Autio is a policeman, and art has provided him with the means of leaving his work behind him at the end of the day. Doing art and working with stone have offered a way to cope with police work.
Atelier Autio is open daily to visitors and to groups by request from Midsummer to the end of August. It makes an ideal destination for groups and workplace wellbeing events, and it offers an excellent setting for meetings and other small events.
Tapolanvuori also houses a viewing tower. This 16-metre tower affords beautiful lake views over Lappajärvi.
