Manitoba realism muralist, Mandy van Leeuwen, wanted to flip perspectives on how we see homelessness in Canada with her ice-fishing shack, “Inside-Outside House,” which will be auctioned off during Holiday Alley on Saturday, December 2 for The Homes For All Fund. (HANDOUT)
Six ice-fishing shacks in Selkirk are standing out to drive social change at the hands of a group of students and talented artists.
Art on Ice is igniting the conversation about homelessness in Canada while creating a new community project in the city just north of Winnipeg.
“The inspiration for my ice-fishing shack comes from my experience of working on murals in many communities that want to renew buildings with art and positive transformation,” said Mandy van Leeuwen, one of the participating artists.
“Through this, I often see firsthand that many people face the daily struggle of trying to find a safe home or a good meal in all kinds of weather.”
Six ice-fishing shacks are being used to tackle homelessness in Canada through Art on Ice. (HANDOUT)
Artists as young as 14 chose themes for the shacks, such as Inuit sea spirit, the “Native Group of 7,” and a celebration of the area’s abundant catfish.
The shacks will be auctioned off this Saturday, December 2 as part of Holiday Alley, a new winter street festival in downtown Selkirk. Eventually, they will be moved down to the Red River and remain there until the spring.
Proceeds from Art on Ice will go to the Selkirk & District Community Foundation’s Homes For All Fund, benefiting area homeless shelters, women’s shelters, homes for people living with developmental disabilities and nursing homes.
WATCH: See how Art on Ice came together this past summer:
