MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Despite the frigid temperatures in Minneapolis on Saturday, thousands of individuals ventured out onto a frozen Lake Harriet to partake in the annual Art Shanty Projects. This event, known for its interactive, whimsical, and occasionally bizarre art displays, attracted a diverse crowd looking to connect with the community, explore creativity, and combat the cold.
The Art Shanty Projects, now in its 21st year, transform the icy landscape into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. Participants engage with the artwork housed in or around shanties, repurposed structures commonly used by ice fishers on Minnesota lakes during the winter months. Erin Lavelle, the artistic director of the organization, emphasized the unique relationship Minnesotans have with water, highlighting the state’s embrace of its many lakes as year-round recreational spaces.
“In the summertime, you’ll see people boating, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. And in the winter, you’ll find them on the frozen lakes – biking, skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing, all while we create art on the frozen lake,” Lavelle explained.
While past iterations of the event have faced challenges due to unusually warm winters, the dedication of attendees has remained unwavering. This year, as temperatures struggled to reach the single digits, the frozen lake boasted a solid ice layer exceeding 13 inches, ensuring safety for the bustling activities taking place above.
Art enthusiasts experienced a diverse array of installations at the 2021 Art Shanty Projects, including a knitting pavilion where visitors contributed to a communal artwork, a three-ring circus featuring music, poetry, and clown performances, and a whimsical Cat World where individuals could embrace their inner feline alter egos. Other attractions included a “Disco Inferno Hot Box” for dancing, a film studio for crafting short movies, singing and theater performances, ice biking, and outdoor painting sessions.
Despite the extreme cold, Minnesotans’ resilience shone through as they embraced the opportunity to engage with art in a unique winter setting. Lavelle noted that while many attendees were seasoned in outdoor winter activities, a significant percentage – between 10% to 25% – experienced their first frozen lake adventure at the Art Shanty Projects.
“Our goal is to foster connections between friends, strangers, and the winter environment. We aim to provide a social space where the public can feel a sense of belonging to something larger,” Lavelle expressed.
The Art Shanty Projects stand as a testament to the community’s enduring spirit and creativity, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie that define Minnesota’s winter landscape.
