A Minneapolis wintertime staple is back once more – this time, with renewed hope. As the Ice Shanty Art Project enters its 21st year, it's coming off arguably it's toughest year – when Minnesota's warmest winter on record cut the project short after just a handful of days.

A polar vortex sun and below-zero wind chills marked the opening day for the Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet.

Turn the dial on a little ice hut on Lake Harriet to become a rabbit, a gopher, a shrew. Part of the Art Shanty Projects, the NatureGrafter lets visitors choose a Minnesota natural phenomenon — an animal or a tree or a bug — to embody,

The cold weather is great news for organizers of the Art Shanty Projects gearing up to open on Saturday after last year’s warm-up cut their program short.

The Art Shanty Projects, featuring 20 uniquely designed shanties with performances and interactive experiences, returns Jan. 18–Feb. 9, showcasing a new mentorship program and celebrating ideal ice conditions after last year's weather challenges.

Lake Harriet’s Art Shanty Projects opened late on Sunday. Organizers kept visitors away because of extremely cold weather in the morning.

Despite frigid conditions in Minneapolis, thousands ventured onto a frozen Lake Harriet on Saturday to immerse themselves in art, connect with others, and brave the cold at the annual Art Shanty Projects.