A unique artistic endeavor transforms a frozen Minnesota lake into a canvas for community and creativity. Residents of the Upper Midwest and Canada are accustomed to the sight of ice shanties dotting winter landscapes, from vast temporary settlements on Lake Winnebago to simple, handcrafted shelters on Lake Simcoe. These structures, traditionally designed for ice fishing, become the muse for the annual Art Shanty Projects.
Every winter, this Minneapolis-based initiative brings interactive art to the frozen surface of Lake Harriet. Over several weekends, the public is invited to explore a collection of one-of-a-kind huts, each a unique artistic expression. For the 2026 season, local artists Emily Quandahl and Madeline Cochran were commissioned to create a warm and engaging shelter. Quandahl, known for her painting, and Cochran, who integrates textiles into her multimedia work, collaborated on a project that truly embodies their diverse talents.
Their creation, the “Quilt Shanty,” is a bright, blanket-like patchwork design that brings a sense of coziness to the stark winter environment. Quandahl explained that their aim was to literally interpret the concept of a 'barn quilt' by draping a tactile textile over an agricultural form, specifically a hoop house. Growing up in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin and Minnesota, both artists were profoundly influenced by rural life, farming traditions, and strong community ties. The “Quilt Shanty” beautifully merges Cochran's folk illustration style, expressed through muslin compositions and interactive wooden puzzle pieces, with Quandahl's expertly constructed hoop house frame. The 9-by-16-foot quilt, made from studio scraps, vinyl, and drop cloths, envelops the structure, while a trifold screen provides a key to Cochran's wooden puzzles. During its time on the ice, the shanty became a focal point for storytelling, with visitors sharing memories of inherited quilts, family sewing lessons, and patterns that evoked feelings of home. This collaboration echoed the historical significance of quilting bees, which served not only as sewing gatherings but also as vital social hubs, strengthening community bonds through shared effort.
This innovative project beautifully demonstrates how art can transcend traditional boundaries, transforming functional structures into symbols of cultural heritage and collective memory. It highlights the enduring power of craft, community, and shared experience to create warmth and connection even in the coldest of environments.