THANK YOU, SYD! WELCOME, KARLY!
Syd, Karly and Pamela lay on the frozen lake on mapping day in January 2026. Photo: Erin Lavelle
Syd laughing with Lady Bear in 2023 and mapping the village with sandbags in 2026
Syd Petersen (they/them) has been an active participant with Art Shanty Projects for many years. After first visiting the village on White Bear Lake during a Macalester College field trip, they eventually became a volunteer, the back half of Lady Bear, a founding member of the original Free Store Shanty crew, a Producer and then Production Director (a position created specifically to support their interests and skills).
Under Syd’s leadership we developed a mentorship program that pairs seasoned artists with newbies (now in its third wonderful year!), strengthened and expanded connections with our community partners (our own Northern Coffeeworks bean blend? Yes please!), and secured new game-changing grants (HELLOOOO Warhol Foundation!). Alongside co-directors Pamela and Erin, Syd’s determined voice and commitment to our mission and values supported our Art Shanty community through the ICE occupation last winter, providing opportunities to engage, participate, process, listen and respond through creative action. In the past two years Syd also dedicated significant time and energy towards our accessibility efforts, creating a more inclusive program for both artists and visitors.
Art Shanty Projects is better for Syd’s strong vision, caring and earnest approach, calm leadership, good humor, and hard work over the many years they’ve been with us and we wish them the very best at their new U of M position.
If you miss Syd already, they’ll be back this year as our annual designer – stay tuned for live printing of their featured artwork!
If you see Syd out & about, give them a high five!
XOXO,
Erin Lavelle, Artistic Director
Pamela Vázquez Torres, Administrative Director
WELCOME, KARLY!
Karly at her Curious Cairns shanty, 2023 and working the program, 2026.
Karly Bergmann (she/her) is a puppeteer, director, producer, avid knitter, and teaching artist who firmly believes that silliness is sacred! A yearly visitor to the BWCA, she loves being outdoors and she loves lakes. Especially when they are frozen. Especially when she gets to walk out on one with someone who has never experienced that kind of winter joy before!
She is a two-time shanty artist with Curious Cairns (produced during two weird weather years: Plan Beach in 2023 and the warmest winter on record in 2024), and was a new member of our On-Ice Crew for our 2026 season. As a dedicated member of the team she quickly learned the ropes, managed volunteers, and provided general production support with humor, grace, care and a commitment to community. Through this she has demonstrated she can weather any storm, and we’re pleased to welcome her as our new Production Director!
Working alongside co-directors Pamela and Erin, Karly’s role includes fundraising, supporting shanty artists, managing a multitude of program logistics (Permits! Equipment! Weather adaptations! Load-in & out! Curveballs!), and championing our accessibility initiatives. With both experience and passion for supporting artists with disabilities (have you seen Boy Band in a Haunted Hotel?!), Karly will pick up where Syd left off with our accessibility assessment, implementing new projects and forging new partnerships with artists and visitors in the coming years.
It’s easy to see why we’re excited that Karly is on our team. When you see her, also give high fives!
A message from Karly: “Hi Art Shanty community! I am honored and excited to step into the role of Production Director. This program has meant so much to me over the years. From building connections with other winter wackos as an artist in ’23 and ’24, to holding space for community as an on-ice producer in ’26, I know firsthand there’s nothing easy about or more fun than producing a public art program on a frozen lake. I can’t wait to see y’all out on the ice!”
