Nick CamachoStudents who have driven past the football stadium since its renovation have probably noticed the life-sized mustang statue at the east end of the field. Now Cal Poly students and alumni will have an opportunity to purchase their own scaled-down version of the statue.
The replicas, approximately 16 inches high, are being sold as a fundraiser through the Cal Poly Alumni Association. The hand-crafted pieces will each cost $3,500. However, $2,250 of the price tag will be tax deductible, according to the replicas’ order form.
The full-sized statue, which is named “Unbridled Spirit,” is the centerpiece of the new Memorial Plaza at the entrance to Cal Poly’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium. It was created by world-renowned sculptor, Roy M. Harris, who has made pieces for foreign royalty as well as several U.S. presidents.
“Unbridled Spirit shows passion and perseverance. It’s really a finely-detailed portrait of beauty, rugged courage and strength. We’re proud to offer alumni, parents and friends this chance to own one of professor Harris’ works,” Cal Poly Alumni Relations Director Kim Gannon said in a press release.
Harris, a self-proclaimed “cowboy-turned-professor-turned-artist,” is no stranger to the Cal Poly campus.
“I was on the faculty at Cal Poly for 33 years,” Harris said. “I was the animal geneticist and reproductive physiologist. I also have a Ph.D. in animal genetics.”
Harris, who grew up on a horse ranch, combined his love for animals and art in 1972 when he met an already-accomplished sculptor.
“Cal Poly had hired a sculptor, originally from New Zealand, named Tom Johnston,” Harris said. “He was a world-acclaimed sculptor, and he taught me how.”
Agribusiness senior Yoni Barash said that he was amazed at the statue’s quality and amount of detail but can’t afford to buy one.
“It’s a wonderful-looking statue; I was really impressed. The detail on it is amazing. It almost has a majestic feel to it,” Barash said. “I can’t begin to imagine how much time was put into the design of the original statue, but I definitely couldn’t afford (my own replica).”
Harris was also commissioned by Boise State University to make a larger-than-life statue of a bronco, its team mascot. Similar to “Unbridled Spirit,” the statue is located outside the BSU football stadium.
Only 40 statuettes are being sold by the Alumni Association, and according to Harris, they probably won’t won’t be available much longer.
“I think this is an excellent opportunity for interested parties to support Cal Poly and its alumni,” Harris said. “If somebody is interested in both helping the university and using it as a tax relief, this is their chance.”
Those wishing to purchase their own replica of “Unbridled Spirit” will find an order form at www.alumni.calpoly.edu.