Pispan porcelain painters reopen studio on Mustanlahdenkatu, seek participants aged 60+

According to Tamperelainen, Pispan’s long-running porcelain painting group has restarted meetings at a shared studio on Mustanlahdenkatu after leaving the Lähitori service. The group is recruiting new participants aged 60 and over for the season that begins on Friday 4 September.

Group leader Kristiina Hiltunen and member Marjo Nieminen say the 2024 move was eased by a ready-made studio at the Tampere Eläkkeensaajat, Mansen Eläkeläiset and Temperance Society’s premises, which includes a kiln. About six of the original Lähitori painters continue to meet there. They hope to grow to around ten hobbyists and welcome beginners. Supplies are provided and no prior experience is needed.

Members stress that the social side of the hobby is as important as the craft. For many, painting ceramics is a welcome break from everyday life and a reason to leave home and socialise.

Sessions run Fridays from 11:00 to 15:00, starting 4 September. They continue through the end of May, with a Christmas break.

The group’s revival comes as ceramics is the most popular course in the Tampere Adult Education Centre’s autumn programme according to the city’s course listings, and the city is offering nearly 100 low‑threshold cultural events for older residents this autumn the city says.