DEMOPOLIS, Ala. — A full-circle moment has unfolded at Demopolis High School as former student and emerging mural artist Banks Compton returned home to collaborate with Meggin Mayben and her visual art students on a large-scale mural project funded by a Demopolis City Schools Foundation grant.
Compton, who once sat in Mayben’s 7th and 8th grade art classes at Demopolis Middle School, guided high school students through the process of creating two murals that have transformed a campus space, within Tiger Court, into a vibrant showcase of creativity and school pride.
Students began the project by preparing the walls with primer before applying a bold blue background. They then carefully constructed a doodle grid across the surface—an essential step that allowed Compton to accurately transfer his design onto a larger scale. Once they finished, Banks showed up and led them through the process of creating the murals. He instructed students on techniques and guided them as they painted. Banks added the details and finishing touches, creating two masterpieces for DHS!
The murals are centered around a “Van Gogh–Inspired Tiger & School Pride” concept, drawing influence from renowned artist Vincent van Gogh. One mural features a tiger rendered in a style reminiscent of The Starry Night, set against a swirling, expressive blue sky. The opposite wall displays the school’s initials in the same artistic style, surrounded by symbols representing both athletics and academics.
The design was intentionally created to be visually impactful and easily understood by all viewers, regardless of their familiarity with art history. Its bold imagery and dynamic style make it both accessible and engaging.
The mural offers several benefits, including a strong visual representation of school pride, opportunities to showcase a wide range of student activities, and the creation of a highly photogenic space that can serve as a gathering point for students and visitors alike.
For Mayben, the experience carries added significance.
“Seeing a former student come back and lead something like this is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It shows our students what’s possible and how far their talents can take them. It was amazing to see their eyes light up while painting and being a part of something that will be a part of history at DHS.”
This project stands as a testament to the lasting impact of arts education—and the powerful connections that bring students back home to inspire the next generation. We are so grateful for the Demopolis City Schools Foundation and their impact on our school system. These opportunities would not be possible without them. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported DHS and Banks as we revealed the Tiger Court Murals. Special thanks to Monica King, Demopolis City Chamber or Commerce Director and Mayor Woody Collins for joining us!
Check out the gallery of pictures of the Tiger Court Murals by clicking the link below:
