Helsinki, Finland, is in the spotlight this year as World Design Capital 2012, and local Finns are celebrating with a yearlong Minnesota focus on Finnish design. The year kicks off Saturday with a free event, "Good Design Is Forever: Celebrating Finnish Design" (www.gooddesignisforever.org).
The setting is Christ Church Lutheran, which was designed in 1949 by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and expanded in 1962 with an education wing designed by his son, Eero. Both the sanctuary and education wing remain nearly unchanged from their original designs, and the church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2009.
Programs include docent-led architecture tours, Finnish glass and textile exhibits, films, children's art projects, '60s Finnish musical performances, Finnish foods and shopping for Finnish gifts. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Christ Church Lutheran, 3244 34th Av. S., Mpls.
