Christy Ann Skuban

Christy Ann Skuban passed away in comfort after being diagnosed with incurable cancer at Allina Health in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her passing was unexpected and came as a shock to her family and friends creating a wave of sorrow and reflection in the artistic community. Her surviving brothers, Jim and Jay Skuban were with her during the final days. Through memories and stories, they found a way to still make her laugh. 

Christy was born the first of three children to the late Patricia Dove (Harris) and Michael Skuban of Minong, Wisconsin. She grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois, spending summers at her family's Camp Driftwood in Northwest Wisconsin.   

Christy’s artistic expression went beyond two dimensional at a very young age, preferring to build with colorful blocks and shapes. Her formal training was in abstract art and fashion design from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Parsons School of Design, and the Art Students League of New York. Before becoming an independent artist, she was employed at Saks Fifth Avenue as a fashion stylist and coordinator for visual merchandising. She thrived in the high fashion of NYC and worked with famous designers. As a perfect model for her work, a mannequin was cast in her image and thousands of “Christy” mannequins were distributed to retail stores across the country.

Life events in 1991 brought her back to rural Washburn County with her NYC elegance and style intact. She eventually settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Initially traveling the fine art show circuit with her mom, they were a visual treat, both eloquently dazzling in bright colors and fashion. As a jewelry designer, Christy rocked the shows with fun, bold and wearable little sculptures. She envisioned her creations on a larger scale and her abstract wall art began to develop. Christy was always exploring new mediums, creating with polymer clay, felt, driftwood, acrylic, scrap wood, discarded objects, etc., always creating contrast, depth, and wonder in her works. The Christy Ann Skuban Studio was a striking playhouse of multimedia art and fashion accessories. Her talents were endless.

Throughout her beautiful life, Christy consistently found different ways to express herself through her art. She saw great potential in objects and fellow artists. Christy was a natural at mentoring and encouraging others to explore their own artistic paths. As an art advocate, Christy was instrumental in further developing the extremely talented local art community, often one budding artist at a time. She connected with many as the curator at Artisan Forge Studios. But most recently, she joined with Empty Walls Art, a traveling group of artisans sharing their unique talents around the area. 

We take comfort in knowing Christy is now brightening the world beyond. Her colorful and offbeat influence will forever light our way. Her final art display with Empty Walls Art is in progress through March 23, 2024 at the Chippewa Valley Museum.

 The Chippewa Valley Museum would welcome donations in her name. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Jim Skuban in care of Olson Funeral Home at 1516 Larson Street, Bloomer, WI 54724. Private services will be held at a later date.

 An online Celebration of Life will be ongoing at her Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/christy.skuban. Please go to her Facebook page to share memories and stories.