Artist Profile: Fred Schlatter

bought his Benicia home in 1986, after moving from Berkeley. “We love Benicia, we are real Benicia people,” says Schlatter. He was drawn to Benicia because of its respected .

Schlatter is a multi-talented artist but was not educated in fine art at a university. After serving a tour in Vietnam in the Navy, Schlatter used his GI Bill for community college classes in sculpture, lithography, jewelry making, painting, welding, carpentry and machine shop. He benefited from friendships with artists and life experiences. “In other words, I am mainly self taught,” he says.

He has been self employed as wood carver for nearly 40 years. “I am very entrepreneurial,” says Schlatter. He's made furniture, architectural doors, name boards for yachts, sculpture and has specialized in hand-carved wood signs for local businesses. The "Welcome to Benicia" sign was made by Schlatter as were those at multiple Benicia businesses.

His signs can be found near and far. “Luckily, knock on wood (pun intended), I've been getting jobs from all over the country.” Schlatter praises the skill of his webmaster Tony Shannon in attracting a national clientele.

Recently, his passion for classic cars influenced Schlatter's "Woodies Series" of sculptures. The pieces combine old auto parts, carved wood and chrome. The inspiration began with his childhood fascination with classic cars, locomotives and planes. Three of his sculptures were featured at the Marin Sonoma Concourse d'Elegance. Schlatter was awarded ribbons at this month's .

An avid outdoors man, Schlatter enjoys going to the beach, backpacking and hiking. He also collects and makes wine, and enjoys attending art shows with artist friends Manuel Neri and .