Art Shanties

Once again, the tiny shacks on frozen Medicine Lake will form a small community like no other. Over the following weeks, artists, performers, musicians, scientists, and activists will spend their days inviting visitors to play, learn, and explore in a cozy setting. This year there will be 20 shanties to check out. Those of note include the Ace Stellar shanty, which features astrology and astronomyin the form of zodiac chart readings, a planetarium, and a Galileo telescope on the observation deck. The Black Bania shanty is a super-warm tipi that works as a refreshing sauna in the tradition of Native American sweat lodges, Finnish saunas, and Roman baths. Or enjoy a cup of tea and some sparkling conversation at the Shan-Tea. Activities planned include readings by local authors, dance performances by the BodyCartography Project, a bicycle race, and circuit-bending workshops. Find a parking spot on the east side of the lake and walk out on the ice, or wait for the Art Car Taxi to pick you up. Check online at www.artshantyprojects.org for the complete schedule of events. Most activities are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays. Starts: Jan. 16. Continues through Feb. 7, 2010