Fly Tying to be featured at Marble Rim Gallery Fly fishing is typically considered a sport, but fly tying (the making of artificial flies used in fly fishing) is truly an art. Just as a painter takes canvas, brush, and pigment and deceives us into seeing a landscape or a face, so too, the fly tyer takes bits of feather, fur, synthetics and hook to deceive a fish into seeing something edible.

Fly tying, the “Art of Deception”, will be on display this Friday evening, November 4th, at Marble Rim Gallery in Fort Jones. The exhibit is presented by Rick Meredith and members of the Siskiyou Flyfishers, a group of like-minded flyfishers who get together to share information, experiences and expertise for enjoyment of the sport. Fly tying possibly dates back as far as 200 AD; it has been considered an art form for about 200 years. Fly design, for many years, was somewhat traditional with few patterns that were duplicated, tried and true. Today, with increased popularity, progressive tyers and readily available materials, fly design has exploded. There are now endless variations available. “As a tyer, I am constantly tweaking patterns, rarely tying more than several alike, slightly changing materials, sizes and shapes”, says Rick. Fly tying can be utilitarian, with simple patterns that require few steps, few materials and only take a minute or two to create. Other patterns may require many steps, precise placement of materials and the use of exotic materials. Once the fly is created, the real art begins.

Artists are recognized for their ability to see and interpret the world in ways that the rest of us miss. The fly fisher as artist, learns to see and interpret the fish's world below the surface and deduces the best fly, best location and technique for presenting it to the fish. The cast is a ballet. When presented by a competent caster, it has a beauty all its own. Form, balance and timing create a dance on a stage of nature's own. Friday night’s exhibit will feature fishing flies with images of the insects they mimic, as well as fly rods, fly-making materials and fly tying demonstration by members of the Siskiyou Flyfishers. The evening will also feature live music with acoustic guitar and vocals of Jim Ayers.

The exhibit is an open house, free of charge, with refreshments provided. Exhibit hours are 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Art of Deception will be featured Friday evening only. Marble Rim Gallery is located in Fort Jones at 11835 Main Street. Regular business hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (530) 468-5442 for more information, or visit www.marblerimgallery.org.