A historic statue in Jyväskylä's Church Park needs urgent restoration work. The sculpture depicts a woman holding a child and playing a kantele, a traditional Finnish string instrument.
Conservators warn that simple regilding won't solve the statue's condition problems. The piece shows visible wear that requires comprehensive professional restoration.
Maaria Manner from the local Kalevala Association first raised concerns about the statue's deterioration. Her organization contacted city officials about the needed repairs after board discussions this year.
"This statue holds special importance as only the second female monument in Finland," Manner explained in a statement. The association decorates the statue with flowers annually but now seeks more substantial preservation measures.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge Finnish cities face maintaining public art amid budget constraints. While the statue clearly needs attention, the question remains whether restoration funds will be prioritized in municipal spending.
Local cultural organizations continue advocating for the preservation of this piece of Finnish heritage. The statue represents characters from the Kalevala, Finland's national epic that inspired much of the country's artistic tradition.