Innisfil Ice Hut Art Project 2022/2023

The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, in partnership with the Town of Innisfil and local ice fishing hut operator Gail’s Hotbox Ice Huts, invited local artists to replace their canvasses with ice fishing huts.
In 2021/2022, 11 ice fishing huts were transformed by local artists and were strategically displayed in public parks and civic spaces on or near frozen Lake Simcoe.
In 2022/2023 an additional 5 huts were transformed and located in an outdoor art gallery at Innisfil Beach Park from mid-November to til end the end of March, with the initial eleven huts in operation at Gail’s Hot Box Ice Huts.
This one-of-a-kind public art project was inspired by the community. Artists were encouraged to explore the themes of Lake Simcoe’s heritage and legacy, and a celebration of community. The participating artists were selected from across Simcoe County and brought their unique styles, perspectives and passions to brighten Innisfil’s wintry landscapes.
To ensure that this project was inclusive and representative of the perspective and stories of all residents, over the two years, community partners from Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage Council, UPlift Black, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, Ethnic Mosiac Alliance, and PRNT Collective were consulted and formed part of the jury.
2022/2023 Artists
• Looking Forward by Angela Aujla
• Nature and Community by Cheryl Daniells
• Yalda by Neda Mazhab Jafari
• Good Vibrations by Jeanette Luchese
• Simcoe Journeys by Maria Kelebeev
2021/2022 Artists
• Phulkari Quilt House by Angela Aujla
• Winter Colour by Catherine Bechard
• Harvesting the Hard Water by Tamara Benoit
• Talisman by Tim Laurin
• Barn Quilt by Christopher Moore
• Fire and Ice by Cassidy Morris
• The Fish Hut by Lasha Racquel
• Lady Simcoe ~ Silent Solitude by Erin Sanderson, Maria Kelebeev &
Sharon Chick
• The POINT is Sustainable Economic Development by LeAndra Alyssa
• Winter Harvest by Shauna Umney-Grey
• Winter Memories by Natalie Very B
This project was first developed as an attraction to support physical activity, community mental health, and a connection to the outdoors during lockdowns and periods of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By investing in the health and vibrancy of the community, the project addressed issues of social isolation, belonging, and well-being in a post-pandemic environment as recognized by the Town of Innisfil Community Needs assessment. The Ice Hut Art project supports the Town’s Culture Master Plan.
The 2021/2022 Ice Hut Public Art Project was supported by the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative.
The 2022/2023 Ice Hut Art Project was supportedd in part by The County of Simcoe 2022 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund.
For a more information and artist biographies, visit Ice Hut Art.