Transforming Alabama with Meaningful Murals
Banks Compton, a muralist from rural Alabama, has painted nearly 100 murals across 8 states. A 2021 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a degree in painting, Compton transforms public spaces into dynamic visual stories. His vibrant works blend bold, whimsical folk designs with meaningful themes rooted in local narratives and symbols.
Passionate about the power of art to inspire and transform, Compton actively engages communities through workshops and artist talks. His murals do more than beautify—they empower and connect. Drawing on themes of nature, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability, Compton’s work sparks conversations and leaves a lasting legacy of creativity and connection.
For his latest project, Compton created a mural for the new recycling center in Summerdale, Alabama, exploring the processes of waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
Through whimsical and symbolic imagery, the mural depicts the journey of waste from home to landfill and back to the community. A father figure is shown taking out two garbage cans—one for trash and one for recycling—while a garbage truck winds its way around the landfill. Layers of trash and compost lead to ponds where leachate is processed and treated. At the bottom, clean water flows, where wildlife such as a turtle thrives. The turtle's journey back to a young girl symbolizes the cyclical nature of waste and its eventual return to the community.
As the mural wraps around, children are shown entering the new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and children’s learning center, where they learn about landfills, recycling, and their positive impacts. On the far side, a female worker sorts plastic, metal, and paper on the material line. This prominent scene, visible from the main road, highlights the importance of recycling and community engagement.
This mural is both a celebration of sustainability and a call to action, reminding everyone of the vital role we play in protecting our environment.
To learn more about Banks Compton and his work, check out his new book, Banks Compton: Alabama Muralist, or visit his website at www.bankscompton.com and follow him on Instagram @bankscompton.
