Learn About The Sculpture At The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, Texas -- If you drive between Midland and Odessa, Texas than at some point you may have noticed the large sculpture of what looks like a cowboy heading multiple steers that sits on the edge of the University of Texas Permian Basin.  This tribute is located on the corner of JBS Parkway and 42nd Street and is pretty hard to miss.

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About The Stragglers

In August 2014, the tribute called "The Stragglers" was unveiled by artist Terrell  O'Brien.  It depicts five bronze steers being herded by a cowboy on horseback.  This was funded through a $400,000 gift from the city of Odessa and other private contributing donors and was commissioned by Odessa Arts.  The sculpture was a tribute to the cowboy and the early struggles of the Texas cattle industry.  This massive 70-foot-long and 13-foot-high sculpture is quite impressive and one of the most cherished public art pieces in the entire city.

Location and Culture

It was decided that the sculpture was to live at the entrance of the University of Texas Permian Basin.  It was to be erected on a prominent corner of Odessa, where it could gain maximum exposure.    This is not only a way to elevate the college with West Texas-relevant decor, all while paying homage to West Texas culture.  The sculpture has been at the corner of JBS Parkway and 42nd Street for over 10 years, and the school has no plans to move it anytime soon.