See where comic strips were created by artist/cartoonist Fred Harman. Original paintings, drawings and western memorabilia from an eventful life are displayed in 3 galleries. For more than 25 years, a handsome broad-shouldered cowboy named Red Ryder, on his faithful horse Thunder, galloped across the horizon of America's collective imagination. From the first appearance in the "Chicago Sun" on Sunday, November 6, 1938, Red Ryder and Little Beaver were an immediate hit. This is the home of Fred Harman, artist and cartoonist, originator Red Ryder and Little Beaver, one of the founder's Cowboy Artist's of America and Colorado's outstanding citizen. The real cowboy and heart behind the comic strip was artist Fred Harman. Born in Missouri, in 1902, his family moved to a homestead in Pagosa Springs when he was just 2 months. Although it may not have been an ideal setting for a budding artist, Fred was resourceful. "I liked to draw on scraps of paper that came into the house and even on shingles and boards." He would recall. In winter like Jack Frost he would etch out scenes with a nail on the frost covered windows of his family's cabin. His favorite subject matter, even then, was horses and cowboys, a stubborn preference that would last a lifetime. His first commercial art job came when he was 20, living in Kansas City.
After 42 years of commercial and cartooning art, Harman turned his attention to fine western art. In his last 18 years, he was prolific, producing 350 oils, a multitude of pen and ink drawing, as well as numerous bronzes.
SEE: Fred Harman's studio, the original living room made into a gallery, a bronze bust of Fred Harman, wooden statues of both Red Ryder & Little Beaver PLUS 2000 other works of art. Glimpse into a way of life that everyone in the world pictures when thinking of the United States - visit this unique museum of the old west.
ART GALLERY, STUDIO AND GIFT SHOP: You may purchase original hand-drawn cartoon art boards, original rare oil paintings done by Fred Harman, also Red Rider memorabilia and collectibles such as rare comic books, greeting cards, post cards, t-shirts, and more.
HEAR: Live original historical stories and tales of the Old West, of the recent past, and about contemporaries of Fred Harman such as the Warner brothers, and Walt Disney as told by his son who runs the museum.
SUMMER HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10:30-5:00, Sundays 12:30-4:00. WINTER: Monday-Friday 10:30-4:00, Weekends by appointment.
2 miles west of downtown Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 near milepost maker 141, turn south at the Piedra Road stoplight. 85 Harman Park Drive, PO Box 192, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147; 970-731-5785; fax 970-731-4832.
