Friday, Sep 05, 2025 • Cristal Gonzalez : Contact

Meet Maximus Eventus, the commemorative Spirit Horse designed for The University of Texas at Arlington’s 130th anniversary.

Maximus Eventus is now the 16th Spirit Horse displayed on campus, making its home on the south side of the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building. The Spirit Horse was unveiled to students, faculty, staff and friends of the University during the 2025 MavsMeet Kickoff at College Park Center.

Garrison Calcote, a sophomore from Waxahachie, is the artist behind Maximus Eventus’ creative design. He said playing a key role in the Spirit Horse tradition and in this historic year for UTA has “truly been an honor and a privilege.”

Led by the UTA Ambassadors in the Division of Student Affairs, the Spirit Horse program was created to showcase the University’s spirit and identity through student-designed artistic representations of UTA. These sculptures are not tied to individual buildings but represent UTA as a whole. UTA Ambassadors are responsible for selecting the artist and artwork for new Spirit Horses.

Calcote shared details about his artistry and the inspiration behind Maximus Eventus.

Where did you draw inspiration, and what are you hoping to convey with this piece of art?

Calcote: For millennia, constellations have been a way for people to tell stories, guiding mythology, navigation, timekeeping and our understanding of creation and belief. Their quiet but powerful presence reminds us of where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. Like memories, these points of light form patterns that leave a lasting imprint on our lives, even if they remain just out of reach.

In the same way, our own memories come back like gentle whispers, bringing with them experiences that connect us to the past. Sharing these stories helps us build connection, compassion and empathy, while also giving those moments a timeless quality. They pass from one generation to the next, shaping us even now, always surrounding us like constellations in the night sky.

What was the process like when you finally painted the Spirit Horse? What did you enjoy most, and what challenges did you face?

Calcote: Funny enough, I had zero painting experience prior to working on the horse, but I wasn’t discouraged in the slightest when I submitted my design. It was a laborious process that took nearly a month to complete, but I had help from my friend Grace Cowger.

Starting around mid-July, we coated the entire horse with an ombre sunset, using the school’s colors—blue and orange. This alone was a challenge because the paint dried very quickly, making it difficult to blend the colors, but we were determined to get it right. The constellations and asterisms were actually taken directly from the UTA Libraries’ archive images, which I don’t think a lot of people realize. That phase of the painting was fairly simple because we “projection-mapped” the image onto the life-sized horse to guide the translation process, and I think the way we executed this was unique.

We then followed the constellation linework with a “glowing” effect, layering iridescent white paint and glitter so the images shine and shimmer in the sunlight as you walk by on campus, inviting interaction with passersby. Finally, to drive the entire idea home, we lined the hooves and lower part of the tail with a silhouette of the Dallas and Arlington skylines.

We finished painting mere days before the unveiling at the MavsMeet kickoff event in August.

Can you share the story behind the name Maximus Eventus? Why did you choose it, and what does it mean to you?

Calcote: The name Maximus Eventus translates to “the greatest events” in Latin, and I chose it to evoke a sense of gravitas when spoken aloud. I think it does a great job of encapsulating the overarching themes of timelessness and grandeur—maximus declares that this anniversary celebration is momentous, while eventus grounds us in the present even as it echoes the past, present and future. It’s unorthodox, and I like that. The name has definitely gotten a lot of curious head tilts.

Calcote drew inspiration from the sky's constellation's for Maximus Eventus' design. (UTA Photo)

Calcote: When I submitted my initial design, I knew that being part of this tradition and celebration would be incredibly humbling, and it is. I hope it will spark imagination and instill pride in anyone connected to UTA for many years to come. Being chosen to leave this legacy has truly been an honor and a privilege, offering both a unique opportunity and a memorable experience.

What fascinates me most is that this project goes beyond me as it permeates throughout the entire community in ways I can only imagine, standing the test of time and becoming part of the University’s larger story. My hope is that students, faculty, alumni, visitors and everyone else will accept and appreciate Maximus Eventus as a meaningful addition to the campus.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share about Maximus Eventus or the overall process?

Calcote: Yes, Grace and I left our thumbprints and signatures in red on the left hoof of the Spirit Horse. My parents, brother, sister-in-law and 2-year-old niece left theirs in white on the right hoof. Our legacy is now really etched in UTA’s history, and one day I’ll be able to share this with my niece.

I also made a 3D-printed scale model of the horse to help guide us through the painting process. It’s kind of a keepsake I now have for my home or future office as a way to always keep Maximus with me.

And honestly, while painting, I found myself talking to the horse sometimes…