In Texas, giant cowboy statues dot the landscape, between “Big Tex” in Dallas, “Scary Giant Cowboy” in Conlen, and “Tex Randal” in Canyon. But, if you’ve ever driven through the deserts of Eastern New Mexico, between Roswell and Vaughn, you’ve likely seen (and maybe even taken a picture with) a pair of statues looming 18 feet on each side of U.S. 285.
The statues — dubbed “Cowboy Ruckus” — were crafted by California muralist John Cerney and are located just 73 miles north of Roswell, where it’s not uncommon to drive past depictions of aliens, spaceships, and other oddities (some of them crafted by Cerney too).
Yet these towering figures have become an unexpected landmark in the desert landscape.
Cerney, known for his large-scale, realistic murals and cutout sculptures, has a penchant for creating works that surprise and engage viewers. His creations often blur the line between art and reality, inviting onlookers to pause and take notice of the world around them. Cowboy Ruckus is no exception.
Installed in 2019 on the Marley Ranches, Cowboy Ruckus has quickly become a favorite among travelers and locals alike. The statues depict two cowboy brothers, Mike and Mark Marley, the ranchers who own the land. The two statues are engaged in a lively, seemingly heated conversation, frozen in time. One cowboy points an accusatory finger at the other, who stands with a defensive “Who, me?” posture.
The question, perhaps, is are these brothers actually cranky with each other, or is it more of a satirical and somewhat silly show of brotherly love? It’s art, so maybe the answer depends on how you interpret it. We reached out to the artist for his take, but couldn’t get ahold of him.
While neither brother had ever modeled before, Cerney managed to coax them into the right poses to capture the scene he envisioned. Still, the actual inspiration for Cowboy Ruckus came from an entirely different setting — Cerney got the idea while driving around his hometown of Salinas, California.
He witnessed a dramatic argument between two prostitutes, who were shouting at each other across the street.
“It was a scene that couldn’t be ignored for its drama. It stuck with me,” Cerney has said previously. This intense confrontation became the spark for his vision of two cowboys locked in a heated exchange on the open range.
Eastern New Mexico is steeped in cowboy culture, and ranching remains a vital part of the region’s economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Mexico is home to over 1.5 million cattle, ranking it among the top 15 states in the nation for cattle production. The state’s vast, open landscapes are ideally suited for cattle ranching, and the industry plays a crucial role in supporting rural communities.
Mark Marley holds a myriad of ranching operations from Llano Estacado to the Capitans in Southern New Mexico along with his son, Taylor Marley.
In addition to cattle, New Mexico is a significant player in the dairy industry. Mike Marley is not just a rancher; he and his wife, Dianne, also operate Corrales Dairy in Roswell. The dairy spans 1,100 acres and is home to 7,000 cows. Though Mike is a fifth-generation farmer, he is a first-generation dairy farmer, having built his dairy operation from the ground up.
Over the last 15 years, Mike has held leadership roles within the dairy industry, including serving as president of Zia Milk Producers, as a member of the board of directors for Farm Credit of New Mexico, and as a committee member for Chaves County Farm Service Agency. He currently holds positions within Dairy MAX, CoBank, and Assurance Home Foundation, and is also a United Dairy Industry Association board member.
New Mexico ranks ninth in the U.S. for milk production, with dairy farms contributing substantially to the agricultural output. As of 2023, New Mexico’s dairy industry produced over 8 billion pounds of milk annually, primarily from the eastern part of the state. The combination of cattle ranching and dairy farming forms the backbone of the region’s agricultural economy, making the presence of Cerney’s cowboy statues even more fitting.
Cowboy Ruckus is more than just a roadside attraction; it’s a piece of art that captures the spirit of the American West. It’s a reminder that art can pop up in unexpected places, adding something special to an otherwise ordinary drive.
So, if you find yourself on US 285, take a moment to appreciate Cowboy Ruckus and the creativity of Cerney. It’s a unique glimpse of Americana that blends humor, history, and art into a memorable part of your journey.
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