DFW-raised artist’s FIFA World Cup 26 mural celebrates spirit, connection, community
When Calvin Sprague was growing up in Dallas-Fort Worth, he loved music and was particularly drawn to the images on his favorite bands’ CDs.
“The artwork felt like a visual translation of the music, almost like a metaphor for the sound,” Mr. Sprague said. “I was fascinated by how an image could shape the way you experienced something. That connection has stayed with me ever since.”
Time-lapse video of mural installation
Today, Mr. Sprague is an illustrator and muralist in Dallas, and his latest work, One Collective, adorns the facade of UT Southwestern’s School of Health Professions building on the West Campus, creating a vibrant metaphor to mark a historic moment for the North Texas community.
Dallas is one of 16 Host Cities for FIFA World Cup 26, the first time the soccer tournament has been played in the U.S. in more than 30 years. UTSW is serving as an Official Host City Supporter and commissioned Mr. Sprague to create a striking mural capturing the spirit of teamwork that runs through UT Southwestern as well as the globe’s most popular sport.
“I wanted to communicate visually the collaboration, trust, and shared purpose that is essential in both endeavors,” he said. “People working together toward something larger than themselves is what community is all about.”
Mr. Sprague, who shares an art studio in Dallas’ Bishop Arts district with his brother, Ryan, has collaborated on art and design across industries and the world. In this Q&A with Center Times Plus, he shares his perspective on art, sports, and the strong connection between the World Cup and the global community.
How has your background contributed to this art project?
I was born in California but grew up in several parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so I know what a big deal sports are here and I’ve always appreciated soccer – more as an observer than a player.
I moved to the Netherlands in 2013 and spent more than a decade living and working in Amsterdam. During that time, I traveled extensively throughout Europe, and it gave me a much deeper understanding of how meaningful the game is globally. Watching the World Cup in Amsterdam and seeing Dutch fans bring that same energy to North Texas reminded me how the World Cup can bring people together across cultures. It feels really special that our region gets to be part of that.
How did music become your gateway into art?
My brother and I started a band in high school, and we quickly realized that if we wanted people to take the band seriously, we needed flyers, shirts, demo artwork, and posters. I started making flyers for our shows, then album covers for friends’ bands, and at some point, I realized I was more excited about the visual world around the music than the music itself.
Around 2009, my brother and I started a company designing merchandise for musicians and bands. It began with local projects, but over time we contributed to merchandise for hundreds of artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, and many others. It was an incredible experience and taught me a lot about how design functions in the real world.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
Milton Glaser was an early influence because his work felt iconic, playful, and incredibly effective in a commercial setting. Keith Haring also inspires me, especially in the way he used simple figures, movement, and rhythm to create work that felt energetic and accessible. Picasso’s later work influenced how I think about simplified forms, geometry, and abstraction. My biggest influence is M.C. Escher, especially in the way he brought printmaking and fine art together.
How would you describe your style and One Collective?
I use simple shapes, flat color, and precise linework to create images that are easy to understand at first glance but often have more meaning the longer you look.
The composition of One Collective is designed to feel both dynamic and stable, reflecting the balance between movement and coordination that defines the game. At its center is a shared focal point, a circle symbolizing the world and the game itself, drawing people inward while connecting them to something greater.
Soccer is a sport built on structure, trust, and teamwork. Every player has a role, supports one another, and contributes to something that only works as a whole. That idea became the foundation for the artwork. The figures are connected through movement, gesture, and shared energy, forming compositions that feel active and unified.
How does the mural reflect UT Southwestern’s mission?
I think UTSW’s mission comes through in the idea of people working together toward something larger than themselves – education, discovery, and healing all play a distinct part in that. I wanted the mural to communicate that collaborative spirit visually.
In a hospital environment, I think public art can offer a moment of energy, optimism, and reflection for patients, staff, and visitors. My hope is that this mural feels welcoming and uplifting while also becoming part of UT Southwestern’s larger tradition of art on campus.
How has the mural on the UTSW campus been received?
The response has been really meaningful, especially hearing from friends at UTSW who have sent photos and even seeing sketches from patients who redrew the mural. Knowing that people are encountering the artwork as part of their day, whether they are on campus or driving down Harry Hines, makes the project feel bigger than the game itself.