Diamonds and Denim: Tattooed on Two Wheels

Paul Teutul Sr., left, and Paul Teutel Jr. of Orange County Choppers.

You too can look like this, if you just support the Toledo Opera.

Wait ... what?

That's right! The Toledo Opera Guild is mixing it up again with its fall fundraiser, which this year is Diamonds and Denim on Nov. 8 at the Toledo Club.

At the party, guests will be able to get free temporary tattoos from Toledo Tattoo Company artists. Your bicep could boast "I <3 Opera" or a giant diamond. Don't worry, it will wash off the next day with a little soap and water. Of course, your real love of opera will never fade!

Toledo Tattoo is a locally owned shop that has been in business for 35 years. If you want some permanent ink, stop by its consolidated Point Place location. Artists Bill Klocinski, Curtis Ely, Kodi Klocinski, Deano Davis and Justin Phillips promise to give you "just damn good tattoos."

If you want to imagine what it would be like to feel the wind in your hair on the open road, climb onto a custom Chopper motorcycle on a photo stage in the club's Centennial Room. A photographer from Grand Lubell Photography will print your portrait for a small fee.

The bike is the literal prized possession of Charlie Fehrenbach of Charlies' Automotive in Liberty Center. He and wife Rhonda won it at a NAPA convention in Las Vegas. The motorcycle was specially made by Orange County Choppers, a custom shop of reality television fame "American Choppers" and "Orange County Choppers," and bears the signatures of the designers.

The Fehrenbachs made a few modifications to the Chopper, including a seat for two. They've enjoyed 35,000 miles on it, although one can go only so far at a time. "It's a short trip bike," Rhonda Fehrenbach said.

Charlies' Automotive -- named for father and son of the same name -- has been servicing vehicles from cars and trucks to boats and buses since 1988. It is a certified NAPA Auto Care Center and Jasper preferred engine installer.

Charles Fehrenbach III has been working with his dad for 24 years and also is a master ASC-certified tech. Youngest son Gary started working in the shop on County Road A just this year. Mechanic Mike Lusher's specialty is front-end work, as well as steering and suspension. Rhonda Fehrenbach shares duties in the business office and in the garage.

Think an automotive mechanic garage is an odd place to find love of classic arts? Not so! Employee Sariah Shutts, who has been in the business office for eight years, is a dance instructor and also has worked for Toledo's former Fred Astaire dance studio, the Ballroom Company and the Toledo Ballet.