Mustang Fine Arts Hall of Fame Announces 2027 Inductee Class

CONTACT: Dr. Michael Raiber FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mustang Public Schools / Director of Fine Arts

405-806-5699 | raiberm@mustangps.org 

mustangfundforthearts.org

Mustang Fine Arts Hall of Fame Announces Illustrious 2027 Inductee Class

MUSTANG, Okla. — (June 9, 2026) — The Mustang Fine Arts Hall of Fame Selection Committee is proud to announce its 2027 class of inductees. This year’s prestigious honor goes to three outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Mustang and the broader arts community: acclaimed public muralist Rick Sinnett, award-winning stage and film actor Renee Krapff, and visionary former Director of Bands, the late Tom Mangus (inducted posthumously).

"The 2027 class represents the peak of artistic excellence, resilience, and lifelong mentorship," said the selection committee in a joint statement. "From transforming public landscapes with monumental murals to captivating audiences on stage and screen, and building a foundation of musical excellence for generations of local students, these three individuals embody the very best of Mustang's vibrant arts heritage."

Meet the 2027 Inductees

Rick Sinnett — Visual Arts & Muralist

Rick Sinnett is a self-taught visual artist, muralist, printmaker, and curator based in Oklahoma. Drawing inspiration from nature and the land of his youth, (Canadian County) Sinnett’s work is defined by bold lines, vibrant color palettes, and repeated patterns that often carry a psychedelic influence. His visual language reflects years spent immersed in music, travel, and communal creative experiences.

Sinnett’s early artistic career took him from Mustang, Oklahoma, to California, where he adopted the moniker Mothman—a nod to the animals and natural elements that remain central to his compositions. During this time, he began selling screenprints and ink drawings and developed an “art for the people” philosophy, often giving away hand-drawn works in exchange for acts of kindness. This ethos continues today through public murals, social media art drops, and functional art objects.

While Sinnett continues to produce hand-pulled screenprints and paintings, he is best known for his large-scale “mega murals,” which can be found throughout Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Cashion, El Reno, and along historic Route 66. His first megamural, The Land—a 12,800-square-foot work completed in 2014—was documented by OETA for an episode of Gallery focused on public art.

Follow Rick on Instagram at @mothman333.

Renee Krapff — Performing Arts & Film

Renee Krapff's journey into the performing arts began in Mustang, where she rapidly grew from a self-trained young performer into a dominant force in speech and performance. Competing through the National Speech and Debate Association during high school, Krapff shattered boundaries by becoming the only freshman state finalist in her division, ultimately accumulating multiple state titles and national qualifications.

She continued her theatrical training on scholarship at the University of Central Oklahoma, performing in 12 mainstage productions and capturing four prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Awards through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Krapff’s post-collegiate theatre career flourished across Dallas, Minneapolis, and Oklahoma, earning critical acclaim, two Column Awards, a Leon Rabin nomination, a Critics' Best Actress Award, and a BroadwayWorld Regional Award. Transitioning to on-camera work, she has starred in 15 feature films (including the upcoming Fall 2026 release “Make the Devil Pay”), 28 short films screened internationally, and several television series projects, including the April 2026 release “Sugar Creek Amish Mysteries.”

Tom Mangus (Posthumous) — Music Education & Arts Leadership

Few educators have left a more transformational and lasting impact on the culture of Mustang Public Schools than the late Tom Mangus. Serving as the Director of Bands from 1997 through 2006, Mr. Mangus single-handedly guided a developing organization into a highly structured, competitive, and successful Class 6A program. Under his visionary baton, Mustang concert ensembles achieved unprecedented historical milestones, consistently performing at superior levels and securing OSSAA Sweepstakes Awards in Class 6A in 2000 and 2003.

Beyond the trophies, Mr. Mangus was revered for instilling a lifelong culture of discipline, work ethic, and pride. Countless students under his wing went on to become collegiate musicians, professional performers, and music educators themselves. Even in retirement, his passion for mentoring brought him back to higher education at the University of Central Oklahoma, and eventually back home to Mustang, where he taught sixth-grade brass students at Canyon Ridge Intermediate School. He concluded his career where he began by rebuilding programs in Bridge Creek and Minco. Mr. Mangus’s widespread contributions to music education were also recognized statewide by his recent induction into the Oklahoma Small School All-State Directors Association Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.

Induction Ceremony Information

The official induction ceremony celebrating the achievements of the 2027 class will take place on February 6, 2027, at 7:00 PM in the Mustang Performing Arts Center. The evening will feature special presentations honoring each inductee's career and their deep-rooted contributions to the Mustang arts community. Ticket information and event details will be made available in the coming months.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further event details, please contact the Director of Fine Arts, Dr. Michael Raiber, at raiberm@mustangps.org.

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About Mustang Fund For the Arts

Mustang Fund For the Arts (MFFA) exists to enrich the lives of all students in Mustang Public Schools through equitable access to transformative arts education experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster lifelong engagement in the arts. As a community-supported nonprofit, MFFA invests in students, educators, and programs across all arts disciplines, helping ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and essential part of every student's educational journey. For more information, please visit mustangfundforthearts.org/.

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