Questioning the Locals | Brent D. Skinner

get to know your neighbors!

V1 Staff |

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WHO: Brent D. Skinner, 62
WHAT:
Attorney (Skinner Law Firm) and Dunn County Court Commissioner
LIVES:
Shorewood Heights, Menomonie
IN THE CITY FOR:
38 years 

There’s a weird art exhibition going on at Menomonie Public Library in August, and it in particular caught our eye because of the artist behind it. By day Brent is a straight-arrow attorney, and by night he’s an humorous and edgy artist. So we had to chat with him, if only to see what makes him tick. His wife, Denise, is a retired Stout professor, and they have two children and a grandchild in the Twin Cities.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve ever had in the Chippewa Valley? The Mabel Tainter and Gerry and Emma Talen subsidized a performance by the Minnesota Chamber Orchestra a number of years ago that was wonderful. In addition, I enjoy wandering into the exhibits at the UW-Stout art department which always has something that provokes a response from me.

What’s your favorite local restaurant? My wife and I recently ate at Kim Chi in Eau Claire, and it was a great experience. We plan to return often.

Describe your last encounter with the police department. I have frequent contact with the men and women working at the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department and the Menomonie Police Department. I know officers who have defused volatile situations, provided informal family counseling, and displayed true concern about the people they are helping. One officer even convinced me, as court commissioner, to be lenient with a defendant who had multiple citations. Of course, my stomach still does flips if I see flashing lights behind me.

What book would you recommend to the members of our city council? How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

What store do you find yourself frequenting most often? I tend to stop frequently at Mike’s Art and Graphic Supply in Menomonie (owned by Mike and Kari Tarr). It’s like a toy store for people who love to make art.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area? I believe true long-term economic development is dependant upon a good system of education. All educational levels need to be supported, from early childhood programs to the tech colleges and university campuses. Unfortunately, the current political climate demands scapegoats, and educational budgets are the targets of witch hunts. It is embarrassing in a state that has historically been supportive of education, and it certainly is self-destructive.

Who is the greatest Wisconsinite of all time? My first response would be Robert LaFollete and Gaylord Nelson, but they were only among the most visible. There are so many people who are good, decent, progressive individuals, who live quietly, support others in the community, and attempt to do what is right. These quiet, progressive people are one of the greatest resources of WI.

If you could magically add one store, restaurant, or shop to the area, what would it be? I wish The Creamery would reopen.

Who would win in a fight and why: Judge Judy or Bob Ross? Judge Judy’s strengths appear to be a total disregard for good taste and propriety. There are some who say the same was true of Bob Ross, so I think a fight would result in a draw. Judge Judy would leave the ring smeared in color if not reputation, and Ross would depart with an existential despair about our culture.

What do you prefer, swift brush strokes or swift justice? I certainly prefer swift paint stokes because I can hide the resulting paintings in my basement. Swift (or slow) justice can be justice denied.

Is it at all weird to be a briefcase-toting attorney by day, and a palette-clutching artist by night? My first thought is that I don’t want to be pigeon-holed as an artist anymore than I like being defined solely as an attorney. There are societal assumptions about each role that I find confining. However, I can say that being open to the “weird” of life is helpful in both roles.