Actually, nobody seems to know exactly. Beautiful scenery and forest solitude does attract creative people, but Hill City has emerged as an arts haven. Jon Crane, the well-known Western watercolorist, lives near town and a gallery has featured his works for years. Four other galleries also feature regional and area artists. The Hill City Arts Council hosts Sculpture in the Hills on the last weekend of June and a huge quilt show on the weekend following Labor Day in September. Years ago, council members brought Iron Star to Main Street. The metal sculpture of a stallion was created by Lemmon’s John Lopez, who turns scrap iron and everyday tools and utensils into incredible art. Look for a man’s face, flowers and other details in the complex work that has come to represent Hill City’s welcoming culture for artists. Also, the bronze bison Patriarch by Peg Detmers greets visitors as they approach from the east into Hill City.