Explore Cowboy Ruckus: Iconic Roadside Art in Eastern New Mexico
According to agdaily If you’ve ever driven through the deserts of Eastern New Mexico along U.S. 285 between Roswell and Vaughn, you’ve likely encountered a pair of towering statues standing 18 feet tall. These statues, known as “Cowboy Ruckus,” are located on Marley Ranches and have become an unexpected landmark in the desert. Crafted by California muralist John Cerney, the statues depict two cowboy brothers in a lively, seemingly heated exchange, frozen in time.
Cerney, known for his large-scale murals and realistic cutout sculptures, created Cowboy Ruckus in 2019. The artwork features ranchers Mike and Mark Marley, the owners of the land. One cowboy points an accusatory finger at the other, who stands with a defensive, “Who, me?” expression. The scene captures a dramatic yet playful moment that invites travelers and locals to stop and interpret the interaction in their own way.
Interestingly, the inspiration for Cowboy Ruckus came not from the wide-open range but from an entirely different setting. Cerney conceived the idea after witnessing a heated argument between two women on the streets of his hometown, Salinas, California. The scene’s intensity stuck with him and later became the foundation for his vision of two cowboys locked in a spirited exchange in the New Mexico desert.
The statues have quickly become a favorite roadside attraction, surprising passersby with their lifelike detail and humorous interaction. They also serve as a nod to Eastern New Mexico’s deep-rooted cowboy culture and the region’s strong ties to ranching. New Mexico is home to over 1.5 million cattle, ranking among the top 15 states in the U.S. for cattle production. Ranching and dairy farming are vital to the state’s economy, especially in rural areas like those surrounding Roswell.
Mark Marley, one of the brothers depicted in the statue, oversees ranching operations throughout Southern New Mexico, while his son Taylor assists him. Mike Marley, on the other hand, runs Corrales Dairy in Roswell with his wife, Dianne. Together, they manage 7,000 cows across 1,100 acres. Mike is a fifth-generation farmer, but a first-generation dairy farmer who built his operation from scratch. Over the last 15 years, he has taken on leadership roles within the dairy industry, serving on numerous boards and committees.
New Mexico’s dairy industry is significant, ranking ninth in the U.S. in milk production. The state’s dairy farms produce over 8 billion pounds of milk annually, with much of that output coming from Eastern New Mexico. This combination of cattle ranching and dairy farming forms the backbone of the region’s agricultural economy, making Cowboy Ruckus an even more fitting tribute to the area’s culture and heritage.
Cowboy Ruckus is more than just a quirky roadside attraction; it’s a work of art that captures the spirit of the American West. It blends humor, history, and creativity, offering a unique glimpse of Americana in the heart of New Mexico’s desert landscape. So, the next time you find yourself driving along U.S. 285, take a moment to stop and appreciate this remarkable piece of art. It’s a testament to the idea that art can appear in the most unexpected places, transforming an ordinary drive into a memorable experience.
