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The Art Shanty Projects is an annual pop up exhibit mixing art with the hardiness of Minnesotans and our unique love of ice fishing. Located on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) in Minneapolis, the program wants to foster “artist driven temporary communities: and explore ways that unregulated public spaces can be used to “create new and challenging artistic environments”.

Related Articles:

• • Twin Cities Winter Family Festival Calendar
  • Family Fun: Annual Art Sled Rally in Minneapolis
  • Leonardo’s Basement, Minneapolis
  • ArtStart ArtScraps, St. Paul

Attending the Art Shanty Projects with Kids

The excerpt below is from an article Anne wrote in 2014 explaining why this project appealed to her as a family outing. While the icehouses are different each year, the interactive spirit remains the same.

Not only are these unique icehouses designed by local artists, they are strongly encouraged to be interactive. Herein lies the fun of bringing the whole family out to see them. My sporty 8-year-old son, for instance, would love the Curling Clubhouse Ice Shanty. Curling lessons for him and a warming house with observation deck for Mom and Dad! In the Noah’s Art Shanty, my artsy little girls would love molding clay animals. This Saturday will also feature special storytelling sessions in the Noah’s Art Shanty at 2, 3, and 4pm. I could see our whole family getting into the Pedal Bear, a bicycle-powered polar bear puppet that transports guests across the frozen lake.

2023 Art Shanty Project Details

This year the program runs weekends January 21th through Feb 12th in 2023. Visit between 10am to 4pm. Find directions HERE. Admission is free, but donations are very much encouraged to keep the program running.

Watch or Join the ArtCar Parade:

Each Saturday, there will be a Wearable ArtCars & Contraptions Parade hosted by ArtCars at 12:30pm. Anyone can participate in the parade. If you want some help, two of our favorite creative spaces are offering workshops:

• Leonardo’s Basement: Family Build for Art Car and Contraptions Parade. January 14, 2023; 12pm-3pm. $10/pp. Kids 13 and under need to register with an adult. Learn more and register here.
• ArtStart: ArtStart Joins the Art Shanty Projects On-Ice!. February 1, 2023; 6:30pm. Participants can drop in and shop for materials on January 20, 21, 27 or 28 in preparation for the workshop. FREE (materials discounted). Register by January 18th.

Tip: consider bringing a sled to pull the little ones; the shanties are located about 500 feet from the shore and a significant distance from parking.

Best Day to Visit: Saturday, January 28th is also the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival.