This article was updated on January 16 to reflect an update from Art Shanty Projects

The classic Art Shanties are back this year but where they will be on Jan. 27 remains up in the air.

“We need 10 inches of good, clear ice throughout our village to operate,” Art Shanty Projects Artistic Director Erin Lavelle said in a statement on Jan. 12. The recent subzero temperatures have been great to develop thick ice, but temperatures are forecasted to be above freezing before Jan. 27.

Here are the possible scenarios for this year's Art Shanty Projects at Lake Harriet: 

1. Installing the shanties 300 feet from shore.

2. Installing closer to shore in "the shallows" which holds the possibility of moving further out if conditions improve. This would require 10 inches of ice throughout the village and 4 inches beyond, where visitors may still venture.

3. Pivoting to Plan Beach if the ice is simply unsafe or warming temperatures are back in the extended forecast.

Artists will begin installing their shanties on Jan. 19 so a final decision will be made then. No matter what the decision, the shanties will not be open to the public until Jan. 27.

“We’ve weathered all of these scenarios in the past and learned from them. We’ve got the best producers on our team who demonstrate the classic Art Shanty can-do attitude and playful, smart, creative, hardworking approach we’re known for," Lavelle said.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Art Shanty Projects announced artists are returning to the enclosed shanties that welcome people inside. The past two years artists have built open-air shanties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Typically found on Lake Harriet for four weekends starting in mid-January, the Art Shanty Projects have also been adapting to climate change the last two winters.

Last year, the shanties were on the beach because the feet of snow Minneapolis received made the lake’s ice too weak. We will keep you updated on the 2024 Art Shanty Projects location. You can also sign up for the organization's newsletter at its website.

The Art Shanty Projects website contains this year's program overview and performance schedule.

The Art Shanty Projects will take place at Lake Harriet Jan. 27 through Feb. 11, weekends only. Public hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Kicksleds will be available as mobility aids, and there will be ASL interpreters and audio describers available from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event is free, with a suggested $10-20  donation at the gate or online.