DURHAM, N.C. – “Major the Bull” is celebrating his 17th birthday, all 2,500 pounds of him!

Major is a statue in downtown Durham. However, he didn’t just appear in CCB Plaza. 

Artists Michael Waller and Leah Foushee-Waller created him at the Liberty Arts’ Foundry in downtown Durham. They were in their early 20’s when they were selected to make the iconic work of art. 

“We were trying to decide how he should look,” Foushee-Waller said. “Is it a raging bull? No. Is it a strong bull? Yes. Very strong, but also very serene and very much at peace. And I feel like that idea is something that is more important now than ever.” 

Major has taken on a life of his own with the community donning him in outfits depending on the season. 

“Even on holidays he gets decorations on him. Love how people like to play with him, whether it is necklaces or COVID, I saw a picture with a mask on. I love how people like to play with him,” Foushee-Waller said. 

The husband-and-wife team both continue to make their living creating art. They look back fondly at Major’s creation, even though it took 13 months to complete, with many 60 hour-work weeks thrown in.

“We are still here doing it,” Michael Waller said. “We look back and see how things have changed and what the city was. Basically the city has grown up around our bull.”