Saturday, March 17th we visited the Mingei International Museum to see the "Northern Stars" exhibit of 20th Century Design. It is a fabulous exhibit - furniture, textiles, ceramic, glass - and several Birds by Toikka. Several catalog birds were presented, but the highlights are 4 very special custom made kiikkuri, that were collected by Charmane Kaplan on her trips to Finland and Nuutajarvi. They have unique color combinations that I have never seen on other kiikkuri.
   I have posted 8 pictures of the exhibit on the User Albums section of this website. Log In, then enter User Albums. Select Nokikana, and then near the bottom select "Mingei International Museum" to see the pictures.  Included in the pictures are 3 additional custom kiikkuri that are displayed in the Museum Directors Office. 6 of the Kiikkuri are "footed", and one is "resting". This appears to be a "saved" bird, that suffered a broken foot, which was ground down to make a resting position.
   The Museum personel were very friendly and helpful. We greatly appreciated Martha E. who guided us around, and showed us the Director's office. Martha knew Charmane personally, and worked with her when she was a member of the Board of the Museum. If you have the opportunity to visit San Diego - put the Mingei Museum on your "must see" list - and ask to see the Birds by Toikka. Most of them roost in the Director's Office when not on display.