Sisters students learn art of fly tying

Sherry Steele is passionate about fly fishing and the art of fly tying. For the past three years she's taken her knowledge into the Americana Project and ARTS Discovery classrooms at Sisters Middle School. Kit Stafford's classes explore all kinds of artistic pursuits; Sherry's expertise was a perfect fit for expanding students' minds about what art can be.

"The Americana Project and ARTS Discovery classes expose kids to all kinds of art," said Steele. "I represent the conservation group the Federation of Fly Fishers, and we want the students to have an art experience, so when they move on to other classes they'll think about how fly tying is an art form. There's nothing like tying a fly and going out and catching a fish with something you made yourself."

For Steele, the experience is important because it helps young people appreciate the outdoors and what they have around them.

"Our hope is they'll go out and be the caretakers for our rivers and streams," she said.

After several years in the middle school, Steele's class has gained a reputation among students.

"The neatest thing was their enthusiasm. They knew I was coming because they heard from kids who had already taken the class," she said. "They were like little sponges, taking it all in. They were so focused it was uncanny."

One of the keys to Steele's success is allowing students the freedom to pick whatever colors they'd like to work with.

"I dump all the fly tying materials on the table so they get to choose what their fly will look like. When they're done it's their own design, not something out of a book."

The class is fun for both the teachers and students.

"They ask lots of questions; they really want to succeed. I get a rush out of them being so excited about it," Steele said.

Steele teaches three classes per school year. Each session has two classes with 16 students in each. By the second day, they know what to do and are ready to jump in and finish their projects. Once they've completed their fly tie, students use the materials to make earrings as well. When students finish the class, they leave with real fishing flies.

"I tell them to take their flies to Davis Lake," said Steele. "The bass in that lake will grab that fly."

When Sherry began teaching the classes, Kit Stafford was amazed at the immediate positive response Steele evoked from the kids.

"They got hooked even before the materials came out," said Stafford. "When Sherry walked through the door, the students didn't know anything about her but once she started talking about what a happy person she was because she loves to fish, the kids were hooked."

The Oregon Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild provide Steele with most of the materials for the class. Some of the materials came from fly tyers who passed away and they left all their flies to the organizations,

The Oregon Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers restores and educates people about natural resources through fly fishing. Steele was elected president of the organization in July. She represents 23 fly fishing clubs in Oregon with over 600 members statewide. For information visit http://www.fedflyfishers.org, or e-mail Sherry Steele at [email protected]