Fred Machetanz first went to Unalakleet, Alaska in 1935. He had just received a Master's degree in art from Ohio State University and went to visit his uncle, Charles Traeger, who ran the trading post at Unalakleet. Fred fell in love with Alaska and even served in the Aleutians in WWII.

Fred's oil paintings are known for their predominance of blue coloring and for Machetanz's glazing technique, which is often compared to that of his friend, Maxfield Parrish. Machetanz's oils are almost always clearly titled and dated on the back of the masonite panel.

Fred died of pneumonia on October 6, 2002 in Palmer, barely a year after his wife Sara's death September 24, 2001, at home in Palmer. Few have enjoyed such productive lives.

Our interest is primarily in oil paintings from the 1950s through the 1970s, but we will consider all works except multiples.