Museum features Machetanz works

The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry is hosting an art show this month paying tribute to the late Fred Machetanz. The noted Valley artist was born on Feb. 20, 1908, and died Oct. 6, 2002. He was best known for his paintings of Alaska and locally he and his wife Sara were active members of the community. The football field at Palmer High School bears the name "Machetanz Field," and he rarely missed a home game. The Valley has repeatedly honored the Machetanz family, from the Machetanz Building at Mat-Su College to the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla, in addition to the football field. He was elected to the Alaska Hall of Fame in 1966, named Alaskan of the Year in 1977, named Artist of the Year by American Artist magazine in 1981, and awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, Ohio State, in 1984.

MATI is displaying 43 prints, the same number in the original Fred Machetanz one-man art show in 1962. It is reported to be the largest collection of his prints ever assembled in the Valley. Each of the prints in the exhibit are from a different Machetanz painting, there are no duplicates. The display includes artist's proofs and a number one print. Other displays have photographs, Iditarod Trail annuals, books, post cars and related Machetanz artifacts.

Phil Lockwood, MATI president, was instrumental in garnering participation across the state for the event. Museum members, gallery owners and art collectors are taking part, because, Lockwood said, "People know Fred Machetanz' work. they know he made a huge contribution to Alaska."

The show is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., through March 7. Admission is free to members of MATI; non- members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Admission for non-members is $8 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, or $18 per family.

Those attending may register to win a free video, "masterpieces in Motion -- The Early Alaskan Films of Artist Fred Machetanz." The video shows rare film from the 1930s to the early '60s.

The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry is located off Mile 47 Parks Highway at 3800 Neuser Drive, across from Wasilla Airport. Call 376-1211 for more information.