Ice Hut Art

3 painted ice huts spread across a park covered in snow.

About The Project

In 2021/2022 a one-of-a-kind, community inspired public art project saw 11 ice fishing huts transformed by local artists into attractive, engaging and thought-provoking art displays. Strategically located, the displays were on and near frozen Lake Simcoe, in public parks, and civic spaces, this project was accessible to the community and directly supported the Town’s Culture Master Plan.

We are excited to announce that 5 additional ice huts were transformed into engaging, and thought-provoking pieces of art for the 2022-23 winter season. This new Ice Hut Art project was funded by The County of Simcoe 2022 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund. These new huts will form an outdoor art gallery in Innisfil Beach Park and will be revealed on Monday November 21st at 5:30 pm at Innisfil Beach Park, while the huts of 2021/2022 will be located directly on ice at Gail’s Hot Box Ice Huts.

By investing in the health and vibrancy of the community, this project will address issues of social isolation, belonging, mental health, and well-being in a post-pandemic environment.

The 2022/2023 Ice Hut Public Art Project is supported by the County of Simcoe 2022 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund.

2022/2023 Ice Hut Art Project

The 2022/2023 Ice Hut Public Art Project is supported by the County of Simcoe 2022 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund.

2022/2023 Selected Artists

A panel of local jurors, representing Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, PRNT Collective, and UPlift Black selected participating artists.

2022/2023 Partners

Ethnic Mosaic Alliance: The Ethnic Mosaic Alliance is a not-for-profit organization created by ethno-cultural leaders in Simcoe County. Its goal is to enrich Simcoe County communities by embracing, promoting and celebrating cultural diversity.

Gail’s Hot Box Ice Huts: Ice fishing hut rental service based on the west side of Cooks Bay, Lake Simcoe, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. They have everything you could need for a great day on the water. Great for beginners or the experienced angler.

PRNT Collective: PRNT is an artist collective dedicated to fostering the printmaking arts. The fifteen founding members focus on both traditional and contemporary practices such as; letterpress, relief, intaglio, lithography and screen printing.
PRNT strives to build audiences and interest in printmaking by engaging the broader creative community with its programs and exhibitions.

UPlift Black: Is a social service agency working to UPlift the complete wellbeing of Black people who live in Simcoe Muskoka. Their work is culturally based and anchored in 2SLGBTQPNIA+ inclusivity striving to achieve the ultimate goal of racial equity through a conscious community.

Call to Artists Process 2022/2023 CLOSED

The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is seeking Artists and Multi-artist Teams to submit proposals for a winter Public Art work(s) to be sited in Innisfil.

Artists will be selected by a citizen Jury based upon the submission of a concept and design proposal.

2021/2022 Ice Hut Art Project
Logos for Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and Canada

The 2021/2022 Ice Hut Public Art Project is supported by the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative.

2021/2022 Selected Artists

A panel of local jurors, representing Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage Council, UpLift Black and Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle, selected participating artists.

2021/2022 Partners

Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC): A regional social planning organization dedicated to promoting a wholistic approach to address common concerns of all member communities, and instilling the importance of the Anishnabe language, wisdom and knowledge in all our endeavors.

Gail’s Hot Box Ice Huts: Ice fishing hut rental service based on the west side of Cooks Bay, Lake Simcoe, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. They have everything you could need for a great day on the water. Great for beginners or the experienced angler.

The Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage Council (IACHC): Dedicated to enhancing arts, culture and heritage to benefit the community by helping individuals, groups and organizations realize their full creative, social and economic potential as an integral part of Innisfil.

UPlift Black: Is a social service agency working to UPlift the complete wellbeing of Black people who live in Simcoe Muskoka. Their work is culturally based and anchored in 2SLGBTQPNIA+ inclusivity striving to achieve the ultimate goal of racial equity through a conscious community.

2021/2022 Ice Hut Art Locations