Italian artist Marco Preziosi worked in the residency in May and created a 6 x 2.5-meter artwork, which was placed in Käylänkoski.

WWF Italy once opened the opportunity for Preziosi to consciously and passionately draw animals and plants. He volunteered and became an activist, realizing that his two great interests, animals and drawing, could come together.

That's how Preziosi's life as an illustrator began just over 25 years ago.

Now he is back in Kuusamo. "My first visit here was in 2003, and since then I have returned seven times."

The clean air, northern light, and nature attract him here year after year. Marco, originally from Rome, has been actively involved in the artistic activities of the Ars et Natura group in Kuusamo. Together, they have honored the beauty of Kuusamo's nature by publishing the art book "Kuusamon Taika" in 2017, which presents the unique environment of the area through art.

The large public painting created during the residency depicts a dipper and symbolizes strength.

The dipper and the rapids of Northern Kuusamo have gained attention among nature photographers both domestically and internationally. This uniqueness of Kuusamo's nature has reached a wider audience, thanks in particular to nature photographer Hannu Hautala.

The residency was the first time Marco visited Kuusamo in the spring.

The artwork was created in collaboration with the Hannu Hautala Foundation, Koillismaan Osuuskauppa, North Kuusamo entrepreneurs, and the residents of Käylä village. It can be seen on the exterior wall of Käylä Sale.