MCPA to Honor Mazza Museum Founders with Fifth Third Bank Wall of Fame Induction

Findlay, OH–Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) will induct Jerry Mallett and Benjamin Sapp into the Fifth Third Bank Wall of Fame at MCPA, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the arts, literacy and education in Findlay and beyond.

The induction ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, in MCPA’s Armes Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Together, Mallett and Sapp helped transform the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books into a world-renowned institution. Founded by Mallett in 1982 with just four original illustrations, the museum now houses more than 21,000 works of art and welcomes more than 25,000 visitors annually.

Mallett joined Findlay College in 1968 and established the Mazza Museum as the first teaching museum devoted to children’s book illustrations. Sapp began his work at the Mazza Museum as a student director, later serving as Deputy Director in 1995 and Director from 2007 through 2025.

Through conferences, exhibitions and educational programs, Mallett and Sapp connected nearly 1,000 illustrators with children’s book lovers from around the world. Their work helped establish Findlay as home to the world’s largest collection of original art from children’s picture books.

Under Sapp’s leadership, the Mazza Museum expanded its educational reach through initiatives including the Conda STEAM Center, the Emmy-nominated documentary The Magic of Mazza and partnerships supporting memory care, literacy and the arts.

Mallett and Sapp’s contributions have earned numerous honors, including recognition from the Royal Society of the Arts in London, the University of Findlay and the Ohioana Library. The Fifth Third Bank Wall of Fame at MCPA recognizes individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the arts and the community. The induction of Jerry Mallett and Benjamin Sapp celebrates two leaders whose vision continues to inspire generations.