Welch, Stevens and the Art and Elegance of Maine’s Fly Tying Heritage: A CX3 Portland Event

Explore the rich heritage of Maine’s fly tying community in a back-to-back, interactive presentation. “Herbert L. Welch” The Artistry and Showmanship of Maine’s Premier Celebrity Guide”  and  ” Elegance in the Pool” A discussion of the fly tying prowess of Carrie G. Stevens will be presented by Leslie Hilyard author, historical consultant, owner of the Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies. Leslie will showcase the amazing talents of Rangeleys two most famous and influential artists, Carrie G. Stevens and Herbert L. Welch. Through an amazing collection of artifacts from the artist’s hands he will show how the methods first utilized by them are still influencing anglers and craftsmen and women to this very day. This event is free and open to the public. Kids and families welcome.

Leslie Hilyard has co authored several books such as “Carrie G. Stevens, maker of the Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies” and “Herbert L. Welch, Black Ghosts and Art in a Maine Guide’s Wilderness”. He is a museum consultant and public speaker focusing on the importance of maintaining ties to our collective sporting past. He divides his time between pursuing Striped Bass off the coast of Ipswich, MA and  Landlocked Salmon in the western mountains of Maine.