Mat-Su College receives original Machetanz painting

PALMER — The Matanuska-Susitna College recently received a surprise gift: an original Fred Machetanz painting.

Sallie and Phillip Hamm of Chicago, Illinois donated a 1961 piece titled, “On Arctic Waters."

"That was really nice. That was really unexpected," Mat-Su College Director Talis Colberg said.

According to a recent press release, the painting was originally acquired by Dr. Levi and Mrs. Sara Browning.

Sallie inherited the painting, and she indicated that she believes that the Brownings received the painting as a gift from Fred Machetanz because they had been steady patrons of his art and had accumulated a collection of his works.

Sallie contacted Colberg to discuss the connections of the college with Fred and Sara Machetanz. She and her husband ultimately decided to donate the painting to the campus.

"We are thrilled to have the painting return home to the place supported by Fred and Sara Machetanz," Sallie stated in the press release.

This brings the campus collection of original paintings by Fred Machetanz up to six, according to Colberg.

“This incredible generosity by Mr. and Mrs. Hamm will reinforce the unique connection that this college has with the machetanz family and this valley. We are very fortunate to have this masterpiece on our campus," Colberg said.

The newly donated painting was placed inside the Al Okeson Library. Colberg said they now have six original Machetanz paintings across the campus.

Machetanz was a renowned Alaskan painter with a wide body of work that spread across the state and beyond. He was best known for painting scenes depicting arctic wildlife and Alaska Native culture.

Machetanz and his family have played an instrumental role in the college's history, donating over two hundred acres, a major scholarship fund, their library and several other works of their art to the college.

"He supported this campus tremendously," Colberg said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com