Akseli Gallen-Kallela was one of the leading artists of the Finnish National Romantic style. He made wanderings into the forests of Eastern Finland to seek spirit of Finnishness and built a wilderness studio in Ruovesi. During his trips many of the images of folk life and landscape portraits were born. Gallen-Kallela's most famous themes are from the Finnish national epic Kalevala. He was among the first graphic artists in Finland. His works include also weavings, glass paintings as well as furniture and poster designs. Many of the medals and uniforms of the young nation were also of his design.

Gallen-Kallela Museum, Tarvaspää
Kalela, Ruovesi