Canget - Red Lodge, Montana

© Dick ForehandLike a lotof mining boom towns, Red Lodgehas seen its share of charlatans andmiscreants, though these days we liketo call them “characters” or “creativetypes.” It must be something in the air,or in that crystal-clear water, for thisarea has always attracted people withtheir own creative take on the world.From Sheriff Liver Eatin’ Johnston who– legend has it – made a name forhimself by eating the livers of his foes,to today’s internationally acclaimedartist Kevin Red Star, famous for hispaintings from Crow culture, RedLodge art and history have long madetheir stamp on the West.Catch the spirit of today at one of themany art and photographic galleriesin town, or saunter into the historymuseum and find out for yourself justhow the West was wild. But keep asharp eye out: you might even meet a“character” or two along the way.© Merv Coleman36