When you live in Minnesota with its famously cold winters, you either embrace the subzero temps, or you hibernate until spring. I fall into the category of the former with the “If you can’t beat it, join it” philosophy. Snowmobiling, skiing, snow-shoeing make the long winter months pass quickly. I also look at cold weather as somewhat of a fashion challenge: How many layers can I wear to stay warm and still be recognized as a woman? I needed that mind set heading out to Medicine Lake to view the sixth annual installation of the Art Shanty project. There was no escaping the bitter winds!
Ice fishing is a traditional winter sport in the upper Midwest. I’ve long been an admirer of the creative ways people decorate their shacks. The Art Shanty project has given venue to showcase just how extreme a building can be to shelter a hole in the ice. This temporary ice fishing village provides a non-gallery like format for artists to interact with their audience and patrons. It was intriguing to see the creative materials used for construction. The shacks do not interfere with the environment and are positioned not to disrupt the community of other fisher-people using the lake.
The installation runs from January 17-February 14. It is open to the public and family friendly. Even though shanty’s are warmed with a variety of heating appliances, I would recommend wearing the proper cold weather gear for standing on wind-blown ice!
Warm and cozy inside
Bubble wrap walls
Colorful exterior wall covering
The shanty and the silo
