There is a phenomenon in the upper Midwest that must harken back to the strength of our ancestors. Despite sub zero weather Minnesotans get outside to make the best of a cold situation. The ephemeral nature of good ice deserves celebration!
Pond hockey, snow sculpting and kite festivals are examples of January events in Minnesota. The most quirky and unique example of when it gets cold we make our own fun is the Lake Harriet Art Shanty Project on Bde’ Uma’n / Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis.
The Art Shanty Project is an eccentric, delightful example of public art that brings people together. The concept originated in 2004 when two artists observed that there were no building codes required for temporary ice fishing structures. The concept of temporary art structures was born and every year since the intrepid directors, volunteers and public have persevered to build and experience this wonderful winter tradition. The last two years have been challenging as warming weather interrupted the accumulation of ice. Ice depth must be at least 10 inches. Conditions are rigorously monitored by festival and City Parks staff.
In 2025 the ice was a robust 17 inches thick on the 3rd weekend.
Creativity is a super power.
The festival brings together the community in a model example of outdoor public art. Visitors are welcome to engage in play, self expression and outside the box thinking. There are 20 shanties and 20 separate performance groups that share space over the four weekend schedule.
It truly must be experienced but a random highlight of surprises on our visit included a “Cranke Cabin” where an interactive session described the history of the toilet and waste treatment. Audience members were give sound effects and cued when to participate. Silly but delightful.
Art supplies were provided for those who wished to craft their own story.
There were multiple opportunities to dance, sing and revert to the pleasures of childhood, regardless of age.
A representation of a dumpster fire housed a “hot bot disco inferno” night club where you could dance your troubles away. A giant polar bear wandered the ice. Interactive poetry encouraged visitors to add to the installation. Participants were given a silk screen souvenir parting gift. The weaving tent welcomed visitors to engage with the loom. A totally interactive shanty facilitated percussion composition and release.
Perhaps most impactful in the village was an installation focused on the wonders beneath the ice. Limnologists from Duluth offered an observation of video and audio activity in the depths below. Young and old were invited to dip a collection apparatus into the water to pull up plankton and other creatures. It is a potent reminder that the lake is alive and its winter health is vital to the ecosystem year round.
Don’t let the opportunity to see this installation slip by! -- Nancy Zellmer
Website: artshantyprojects.org
Instagram; artshantyprojects
2025 dates/time: Saturdays and Sundays from 12- 4 pm January 18 through February 9.
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