The art shanty projects

I only briefly made mention in my last post about the terrific project I've been working on this past few weeks but I think it's time to elaborate. The Art Shanty Projects began as a way to enjoy the cold and the ice with art. Now in its 7th year, ASP has come to stand as my beacon of hope against the frigid Minnesota winters.

When I moved here 3 years ago, my friend Stephen dragged me out on the ice one weekend. I begrudgingly went, not comprehending why being cold was cool. Warm shanties greeted me with art activities to take part in and observe. From origami to knitting, to sending post cards from the lake, each shanty had unique offerings all in the name of art and ice. Winters were no longer evil and dreaded if ASP were around.

I knew I had to be part of it. 3 years later, the Library Shanty stands, a labor of love between myself and 4 other collaborators. We sought to create a space where visitors could relax with a book, get warm, and take part in the process of archive and documentation that books offer.

We are a reference library--no books leave the ice. A warm, cozy reading loft awaits visitors ready to spend some time with a story. The loft has been a favorite amongst the kids and librarians.

Each weekend we offer different programming. Make a library card, book art, music to words, conversations on archiving and documentation, the future of the book.

There's a whole other something happening on the ice too. To be continued.