Local Artist and Retired Pilot Mike Shane's Mules Helmet Prints to Support R-I Athletic Department Fundraiser

The R-I Athletic Department is organizing a fundraiser by selling 11x14 prints of a Mules helmet painting. The painting was created by Mike Shane, a local artist and retired Air Evac Lifeteam pilot. Shane's artwork, including a series of paintings featuring Mules Football players, is displayed at the Poplar Bluff Museum.

Shane's involvement with the museum started in 2008. He used to visit the museum every Sunday to view old Mules uniforms. His military background was recognized, and he was given the task to renovate the Kanell Hall Veterans Hall. Shane joined the U.S. Army in 1974 with the aim of attending art college through the G.I. Bill. Instead, he became a paratrooper and served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion.

After his military service, Shane worked as a pilot for Air Evac. He helped set up the first landing base in Poplar Bluff in 2002. He retired from air medical transportation services two years ago, after logging 7,000 hours of flight time. Since 2022, he has been working as a substitute teacher in the school district.

Shane, originally from southern California, has a long-standing interest in art. He has worked as an illustrator and cartoonist in various roles. His work has been published in Cycle News, a motorcycling magazine. His paintings are available on eBay, and he has a book on Amazon titled “Tall Tales: Stories from the Poplar Bluff Museum”.

The Mules helmet prints, sold unframed, are priced at $20 each. The proceeds will support all sports programming, says R-I Athletic Director Kent Keith. Those interested in buying a print can reserve one by emailing the desired quantity and their contact information to the provided email address or by calling the provided phone number.

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