Burlington, Mass., May 15, 2000 – An internationally simulcast ceremony between Finland and the U.S. highlighted the recent opening of communications giant NOKIA’s East Coast R&D facility. Works by some of Art Advisory/Boston’s most noted local and national artists were an integral part of the event. Art Advisory/Boston is honored to have placed both existing and commissioned art pieces throughout NOKIA’s new, 135,000 square foot cutting-edge facility.

AA/B President Jennifer Wood-Patrick considered Finnish-based NOKIA’s philosophy of integrating nature, technology and design, as well as artistic concepts of experimentation and surprise, when researching artists for the collection. Visitors to Nokia House are first greeted by a striking multi-hued weaving of anodized telephone wire and metal, spanning a 30-foot lobby wall. American artist Susan McGehee created the piece specifically for the site, transforming common materials into a magnificent weaving. The woven and cut silk technique of Tim Harding’s "Garden Pool Reflections" creates a unique texture in the lobby also. The natural shimmer of colorful silks blends with the soft murmur of the lobby fountain pool. As you round a corner into quiet, sunny hallway, you encounter Margaret Swan’s commanding aluminum floor-standing sculpture. These pieces enhance the grand-scale architecture, which blends the ordered surfaces of stainless steel and glass, with the softness of handsome natural wood and contemporary furnishings.

NOKIA’s theme of Connecting People is evident in many of the art pieces, from Eugenie Berg’s contemporary figurative paintings on vinyl to Ann Schroeder’s exuberant "Snow Dance" quilt. New England Sculptor Judith Morton is currently finishing six life-sized, mixed metal "people sculptures" with telephones, most of whom will be suspended in whimsical poses in the stairways – another sign this isn’t a typical corporate art collection. On a wall in the employees’ lounge, Marion C. Martinez’s "Az-Techna " Kachina wall pieces transform recycled telephone and computer parts into engaging contemporary art .

Sophisticated paintings by New England artists Matthew Kolodziej , Carlyn Ekstrom , Chris Mesarch and Kim MacNeille complement the natural fabrics, woods, and wall coverings that adorn the elegant executive conference rooms. A resplendent quilt triptych created specifically for the collection by Mary Gattis brings the meditative mood of the forest into another conference room. Centerpieces of Nokia’s teaming and meeting areas, open spaces of relaxed creativity, include Roger Goldenberg’s jazz-inspired asymmetrical paintings and Susan Starr’s free form wall relief.