Foley Community Library Mural
Foley, Alabama
Alabama mural artist Banks Compton created a series of large-scale murals and a sculptural reading tree for the children's section of the Foley Community Library in Foley, Alabama. Spanning approximately 1,500 square feet, the artwork transforms the library into a colorful storybook environment designed to inspire imagination, exploration, and discovery.
A Storybook-Inspired Children's Library
Client: Foley Community Library
Location: Foley, Alabama
Artist: Banks Compton
Project: Children's Library Murals & Sculptural Reading Tree
Scale: Approximately 1,500 square feet
Completed: 2026
Artwork: Interior murals and custom sculpture
Project at a Glance
Designing a Mural for Foley's Children's Library
The imagery draws inspiration from the warmth and character of classic English storybook illustrations while incorporating details unique to Foley, Alabama.
Whimsical animal characters appear throughout the murals, including a crowned and cloaked owl who serves as the "king of the library." A rabbit takes flight as a playful reference to the hot-air balloons and aviation associated with the Foley area.
Nature connects the different scenes and helps transform the walls into an immersive landscape rather than a collection of separate illustrations.
The design was developed collaboratively with the Foley Community Library team, refining the imagery and individual details so the finished artwork complemented their vision for the new children's space.
About the Project
Created for the newly constructed Foley Community Library, this project was designed to make the children's section feel like stepping into another world.
The murals combine whimsical animals, natural landscapes, and playful references to Foley and the surrounding community. Rather than creating artwork that children would experience only once, the goal was to fill the walls with smaller details and characters that young visitors could continue discovering as they returned to the library.
Across three large mural walls and the children's library entrance, the artwork creates a connected visual environment centered on reading, adventure, curiosity, and imagination.
The Sculptural Reading Tree
In addition to painting the murals, Banks designed and sculpted a large reading tree for the children's section.
The three-dimensional tree extends the artwork beyond the walls and creates a physical centerpiece within the library. Its construction drew on sculptural techniques Banks learned while working on large-scale Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans before beginning his career as a full-time muralist.
Together, the sculpture and surrounding murals create an environment where art becomes part of the experience of visiting the library.
Creating the Murals
Each of the three primary mural walls was completed in approximately five days of painting.
The process began with conversations with the library team about the atmosphere they wanted to create for children and families. Those ideas were developed into digital renderings before the designs were transferred to the walls and painted at full scale.
Throughout the project, additional details were incorporated to make the artwork feel specific to the library and the Foley community.
The children's library entrance was later expanded with additional artwork, bringing the completed mural project to approximately 1,500 square feet.
Public Art Rooted in Community
For Banks, the Foley Community Library project represents what public art can accomplish when artwork is designed specifically for the people and place it serves.
Instead of simply decorating the walls, the murals were created to become part of children's memories of visiting the library—encouraging them to look closer, discover new details, and associate reading with imagination and adventure.
The project is especially meaningful to Banks as an Alabama-born artist with strong ties to Foley and the surrounding community.
About Banks Compton
Banks Compton is an Alabama mural artist and RISD alumnus creating large-scale murals and public art throughout Alabama and across the United States. His work combines storytelling, nature, local culture, and site-specific imagery to create artwork that reflects the communities and environments in which it is located.
Before becoming a full-time muralist, Banks worked as a large-scale artist building Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans and later worked in luxury event décor in New York City. Those experiences continue to influence his approach to murals, sculpture, and immersive public spaces.
Looking for a Mural Artist in Alabama?
Banks works with cities, libraries, schools, businesses, institutions, and community organizations to create custom murals and public artwork throughout Alabama and beyond.
Every project begins with conversation and collaboration, with the goal of creating artwork that reflects the client's vision while transforming a space into something memorable.
Check out the Foley Community Library here → https://www.foleylibrary.org