Residency artists and researchers Other Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Masterclass Students of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts The Masterclass project is the product of Kuvataideakatemian Ystävät ry., an association dedicated to supporting the work of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts. The Masterclass achieves this end by offering a selected group of students the opportunity for an intensive study period under the leadership of internationally renowned artists. The Masterclass held at the Saari Residence in June 2011 was the first of its kind. Students of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Ulla Leppävuori, Janne Nabb, Laura Paavilainen, Tiina Raitanen, Maria Teeri and Salla Vapaavuori attended this first Masterclass, which was directed by the internationally significant female artist Simryn Gill (born in 1959 in Singapore, now living in Australia).