The Scene

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026

Sophia Arndt
February 04, 2026

Hello all,

Yesterday, my sister texted me to complain about how cold it was in her sunny city of Savannah, Georgia. As I am writing this, it is 3 degrees out and am considering wearing a light jacket in celebration of the warm weather. But enough about our charming and unpredictable Minnesota weather, read our A&E news about frozen festivals, new movies and even our Grammy predictions! We got some of them correct!

Until next week, stay warm and stay safe!

Sophia Arndt | Arts & Entertainment Editor | [email protected]

In the Spotlight

Frigid temperatures are no match for these Twin Cities artists as they venture out on the frozen water to warm their communities with art. | Photo by Emma Vasa, MN Daily

A village on the ice built for community and healing

by Emma Vasa | Arts & Entertainment Reporter | Published Jan. 28, 2026

Out of the frozen water of Bdé Umáŋ, also known as Lake Harriet, is a cluster of ice shanties that belong not to ice fishermen but to a vibrant, local arts community known as Art Shanty Projects. For four weekends, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8, the community hosts dozens of artists and performers who take to the ice to engage the public through interactive art and education.

Ice shanties, better known as ice houses, are portable shelters on sleds commonly used by fishermen to protect themselves from harsh winter weather while on the lake. The Art Shanty Project utilizes the foundation of the shanty while personalizing the shelters with unique artistic liberties.

With 37 artists’ projects for the 2026 season and various scheduled performances, there is a place for everyone. Whether you are interested in how beavers play a vital role in our ecosystem, or you want to build a timber-frame cabin, you can explore what’s below the ice in a submarine or even talk to extraterrestrial aliens.