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

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.

After two years of weather disruptions, bone-chilling temperatures are a welcomed sight for those organizing the art festival.