We searched in vain for the white clay. Several other color options were exposed in the many stream banks surrounding Cortez and Mesa Verde, but none was white. After 3 days of hunting, we settled for a light buff colored clay, knowing it was not the correct choice, but we had other criteria to examine – paint and firing.

What's worse than the hours dragging by and not spotting a trout to remember? A very large brown trout swimming onto the scene, tantalizing you over and over. 

Growing up with a constant drive to create, fueled by an appreciation for beauty in nature, Duane couldn’t stop painting and drawing.

But his rural school didn’t offer any art classes and found himself relying on his own learning and experience to perfect his art skills. He could always be found drawing on the back of his test papers.

50 years ago, a father and son went out to fish on the Little Red River in Heber Springs. And from then on, Mark Rezanka embarked on a life-time adventure revolving around a love for fly fishing & fly-tying based on the experience his Dad gave him. 

It doesn’t have to be fancy, just take your kids or grandkids to some of your favorite places and spend time with them. It will bring you and them great joy and allow you to teach them skills they’ll enjoy for the rest of their life. 

“I was headed up the White River one afternoon, meeting a long-time friend & river guide, Drew. We were going to do some streamer fishing and then later attend the streamer love fest at Dally’s fly shop.

I have lizard lips. The tops of my feet are the color and feel of two baked terracotta clay pots. The taste and smell of salt spray permeates everything it touches.

You've worked hard at fishing. You've put in the hours perfecting the art form. You are finally rewarded with landing a memorable fish! Congratulations! Now you want to preserve that hard work & beautiful fish. What's the best way to do that, you ask? 

Fish replica, wood-carved fish, or a fish portrait?