Man says naked swim was performance art

Patrick Scully and the city of Minneapolis agree on one thing: his naked midday swim at Sweeney Beach was more than a refreshing dip on a hot July day. Scully, a longtime performance artist and crusader for an au naturel lifestyle, says it's art - an extension of his vision to live in a world where we're no longer afraid of our bodies. The Minneapolis Park Police officers who gave Scully a ticket say it's a misdemeanor, punishable by a $125 fine.

A jury of six will decide who is right. In a statement against what he claims is an oppressive society, Scully has decided to take his case to trial in Hennepin County District Court. Scully, 58, who has pleaded not guilty to the offence against Proper Attire Required in a Park, will call witnesses from the local arts community and present evidence, including nude statues smattered throughout the city, that support his point that nudity is not a crime.



Sure, he said, he could save a lot of time and effort by simply paying the fine and moving on. But just like the day he pulled off his swimming trunks and waded into the water, Scully says, this is a teachable moment to inspire others to live more freely.

"I believe that you have to be the change that you want to see in the world," said Scully, a 6-foot-7 dancer, founder of Patrick's Cabaret and outspoken gay rights activist who frequently performs nude onstage. "I'd like to live in a world in which our relationship to our bodies is much more relaxed and much less fearful." Scully, who was scheduled to stand trial in late March, planned to represent himself but said he must now hire a lawyer to help prepare jury instructions. Trial is now set for May 30.