Artist pays homage to vintage machinery through pieces of furniture

Michigan became one of the most prominent states in the U.S. thanks to the hard-working men and women who weren't afraid to put in a hard day's work.

The Labor Movement is being honored this year at the 2011 Traverse City Film Festival, and a local artisan is doing the same with his show at downtown Traverse City's Artisan Design Network. Fred Rehak, a Lake Leelanau resident, will be featured with an opening reception July 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. His showcased work will be his "Techne Line" of furniture, made from recycled late-1800's-1900s machinery and wood. Rehak says this era exemplifies when the engineer and artisan were one and the same.

"I hope to preserve and honor these skilled Craftsmen of the past," Rehak says.

The show, which will also feature guest artist Colin Germaine, will run until Aug. 8.

Rehak, whose work was recently featured on the show Made with Michigan Hands, is a long-time United Auto Workers member. He will donate 10 percent of his total sales during the Film Festival to the Women's Resource Center.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Fred Rehak, Fred Rehak Designs