The Colorful Legacy of Christy Ann Skuban & The 'Art-A-Round'
Skuban family invites Chippewa Valley youth to explore their artistic capabilities, pay homage to an award-winning visual artist
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
How can a visual artist, whose world revolved around form, color, design and shape, preserve their legacy after passing? For the family of Christy Ann Skuban, an award-winning visual artist of the Chippewa Valley, a key part of that preservation has roots in education and questioning one’s artistic horizons – especially for young ones.
Christy Ann Skuban, who passed away in 2024, worked with colorful blocks, shapes and an unwavering imagination. From a very young age, she and her brother Jim Skuban received life-altering educational opportunities in their hometown near Chicago, Ill., which propelled her trajectory in abstract art, fashion and jewelry design, among many other creative ventures.
Christy Ann Skuban’s work became widely recognizable in the Chippewa Valley in the early 2000s and onward, where it has since appeared in several mediums. She was known for her brightly colored polymer jewelry, mentorship and curatorial roles at the former Artisan Forge Studios and of course, her sculptures – some of which remain on display today.
“She was the curator for Artisan Forge Gallery – displaying pieces of friends and adding new and upcoming talent in the area,” Suzanne Skuban, also a mixed-media artist, said. “The young men who had studios in (Artisan) Forge loved to visit with her and soak in her knowledge from the time she spent in prestigious schools and as a window dresser in New York City.”
A notable – and color-drenched – sculpture in her portfolio, “Viewfinder,” remains on display through the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour. It is located where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers meet, and was created with Greg Johnson, the former owner of Artisan Forge Metalworks and Studios.
Soon, with the support of Julie Pangallo – Visit Eau Claire’s public art and events manager – the sculpture will adorn a new placard in honor of Christy Ann’s artistry.
“Without (Julie’s) guidance, support and friendship, this project would never got done,” Jim Skuban, Christy Ann’s brother, said. “What a beautiful location to honor my sister properly and professionally.”
Not too far from the confluence of these two rivers, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (126 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) has displayed another art installation in her memory: the “Art-A-Round.”
Upon entering the museum's first level, children and families will find a room dedicated to young artists, where the Art-A-Round is housed. It features empty “easels” made of chalkboards and rounded boards, awaiting their potential creations.
Children are then encouraged to consider creative shapes, movement – even a bit of geometry – to create their own visual art displays. On these installations, museum staff have observed stars, hearts and rainbows of all shapes and sizes – a clear sign of the boundless creativity sparked by a blank canvas.
Jim Skuban noted the Art-A-Round references the foundational insights and tools he and his sister gained from mentors in their educational pathways. Jim, also a mixed-media artist, has paired tribute art installations to his sister – mirroring her bright, three-dimensional works – along the walls of the area museum.
He designed the Art-A-Round for kids of the Chippewa Valley and New Auburn School District, where he served as an educator, to become an avenue to bring the “art” back into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“STEAM education integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics to foster critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills among students,” Jim said. “The kids really enjoy it!”
The Art-A-Round was installed at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire on March 6; in just a few short weeks, museum staff have continued to observe children lining up to engage with the new creation, Jim and Suzanne shared.
Suzanne suggests the combination of the immersive visual art experience and existing displays of Christy Ann’s works in the Chippewa Valley will help further her legacy. In particular, for emerging visual artists who share her curious mind and adventurous approaches to color and shape.
“It was amazing that she could take all those little pieces and make beautiful pieces (to) sell – people loved her work,” Suzanne said. “She is truly missed; Hopefully there will be a young up and coming creative to fill her shoes in the Valley.”
The Skuban family – through the enduring memory of Christy Ann – is dedicated to foster hands-on, creative learning and accessible arts education. Their mission in the years to come, with the help of an Art-A-Round and a few pieces of colored chalk, will be to unlock the artistic potential of the Chippewa Valley’s youngest and brightest.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (126 N Barstow St., Eau Claire) to view and play with the “Art-A-Round” and discover the fun in STEAM education. Visit Christy Ann Skuban’s webpage through Facebook (@christy.ann.skuban.studio), to view previous examples of her wooden and mixed-media sculptures.
