Anyone driving to Hogeland or Turner on Montana Highway 241 East will spot some metal sculptures between mile markers 15 and 17. This art not only has potential to entertain motorists but also provides a testament to the talent of Hogeland resident Steve Leitner.

The first pieces of artwork to appear on the fence line on the north side of the road depict two fish, one chasing another in a predator-prey pursuit. According to Leitner, that first fish looked like he was trying to escape from something, so he added the aggressive, shark-toothed second fish. "The lead fish has been there for a little over ten years, and I added the second to chase him," Leitner clarified.

In a field slightly to the southeast of those two, an alien dinosaur stands. "Everyone calls him a grasshopper, so I've decided to do the same," Leitner said. He further proclaimed that a pterodactyl previously prowled along Highway 241, but someone stole that piece of art. Eventually, Buster Jiggs took the pterodactyl's place. Buster-who used to ride near Hogeland where Hillbilly Hula Gal enjoys the sun-is chained in place in his new location to prevent "a kidnapping."

During autumn, Buster was wearing a black and red plaid jacket and carrying a basket of fall foliage. On December 3, Leitner and his son dressed Buster for Christmas, decking him out in a Santa Claus suit and hat and giving him a wrapped gift to carry.

"I hope the package survives the winds," Leitner stated. "I wrapped and taped it up good!"

When asked what inspired him to create the sculpture, Leitner replied: "I don't know; I just decided to build him. He has his own Facebook Page, too, called Buster's Big Ride. Buster set off on his big adventure in 2012. He has aged some over the years, but who doesn't?"

As described by Leitner, the sculpture-brought to life with a welder and a plasma cutter-is made of "found stuff." Buster's face, for instance, is assembled from a cylindrical air tank cut in half with key stock welded on for eyes. "The eyes are quarter inch square rod fitted into sprockets called key stock. Essentially, I save the future by rescuing the past," Leitner explained.

Buster's Fan Page, which is only a couple of months old, features nearly a dozen posts. Along with the photos, Leitner writes captions or tells a brief story. Buster has visited a castle, battled windmills like Don Quixote, attended a birthday party and basketball game, and been to the circus and to Grandma's house.

He also takes occasional rides. For example, after Buster's Halloween Ride, Leitner wrote: "If you haven't driven by, you probably haven't met Buster Jiggs yet. No worries, he doesn't mind sharing his adventures. Nothing like a ride through the pumpkin patch!"

Likewise, for Christmas, Buster got dressed up and bicycled to Aunt Margaret's. "She didn't serve tea and crumpits [sic] this time, but there were more cookies than you can shake a stick at," the Page reads.

The pictures of Buster-many of which have a dreamlike quality to them-are computer generated based on the photos. "Wonder and Dream are two different apps I have used," Leitner reported. "It's interesting how good computer graphics have gotten over the past year."

To bring further attention to Buster, Leitner has ordered some solar spot lights. "That way people can see Buster at night during the holidays. The lights should arrive later this week," he said.

An artist at heart, Leitner shared information that he used to paint with oils before his son Colt was born. Since then, Leitner has found other creative outlets, such as woodworking. Although he doesn't perform in the wood shop very much during the wintertime, his Facebook page dedicated to that craft is Recraft Relics.

Leitner is also a photographer who is drawn to the skies. "The sky does some pretty great stuff," he added. Anyone interested in seeing his photographs taken around the farm in North Central Montana can find them at Around The Farm on Facebook.

Originally from Colorado, Leitner worked for a contractor as a project engineer and superintendent building health care centers. "I built a couple on the Navajo reservation, Taos Pueblo, Hays, and Fort Belknap. That's how I ended up here."

Leitner has been in the area for 27 years now. Leitner currently works at Wing Road Farm, serving primarily as a mechanic. He also serves as the Senior Crew Chief for Big Flat Ambulance.