Harman, Jr., Fred 1902-1982
Although best known as creator of the nationally syndicated Red Ryder comic strip, Fred Harman painted hundreds of scenes of cowboy and Indian life. In 1965, Harman joined with fellow western painters, John Hampton, George Phippen, Charlie Dye and Joe Beeler, to form the Cowboy Artists of America, and organization that is still growing and thriving. A book about Harman's art,The Great West in Paintings, was published in 1969. His home and studio in Pagosa Springs are now a museum of Harman's life and art.