 State Flags Lowered in Honor of Painter of Distinctive Alaska Scenes October 10, 2002
Machetanz' paintings followed in the tradition of Alaska's "old masters," rendering Alaska scenes in a romantic style with authentic details that told the story of life in the high Arctic. Using a distinctive technique, he captured the cold, clean air of Alaska's northern waters and sky on canvas. Typical Machetanz subjects include sled dog teams, wildlife, Alaska Native people, and Alaska landscapes. Born in Kenton, Ohio on February 20, 1908, Machetanz came to Alaska on vacation in 1935 to visit an uncle in Unalakleet and decided to stay. Having earned a master's degree in art, he worked as a writer and illustrator of children's books. Machetanz served in World War II as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy's North Pacific Command. After the war ended, he studied lithography at the Arts Students League in New York before returning to Alaska, where he met Sara Dunn, a publicist for RCA Records. They married in 1947. Fred and Sara Machetanz used their combined talents to produce documentaries and children's books. They homesteaded together near Palmer, building a cabin that remained their home for the rest of their lives. In the 1950s, they worked together in Alaska in the summer, and spent the winter touring the Lower 48 with their movies, books and lectures. Machetanz had been producing limited editions of stone lithographs since the 1940s. Without bringing in much money, the artwork had nevertheless earned him several influential admirers, who paid him to take a year off and concentrate on painting. The results of that sabbatical were exhibited in 1962. Of 44 paintings, 24 sold in the first few hours, and Machetanz realized that he could support his family as a full-time painter. Throughout his career he received honors and awards for his art. In addition to being named a professor of art by the University of Alaska, he was elected in 1966 to the Alaska Hall of Fame, named Alaskan of the Year in 1977, and appointed Artist of the Year by American Artist magazine in 1981. In 1984 his alma mater, Ohio State, awarded him an honorary doctorate. A memorial service will be held for Machetanz at the United Protestant Church in Palmer on Thursday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m. Machetanz is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Traeger and Carolyn, and grandchildren Alexandra and Olivia, of Seattle. His wife Sara died in 2001. In recognition of his internationally renowned artwork and service to the State of Alaska, Gov. Tony Knowles has ordered state flags lowered to half-staff on Thursday, October 10, in memory of Frederick Machetanz.
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