Auburn-Opelika Tourism has unveiled a new mural that captures the beauty, creativity, and community spirit of East Alabama. Designed by Alabama artist Banks Compton, the piece brings the energy of Auburn and the charm of Opelika to life in a space that welcomes both locals and visitors alike.
“We wanted something that truly represents who we are as a community, our colors, our warmth, and our character,” said Robyn Bridges, president and CEO of Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
Located inside the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, just outside the Auburn-Opelika Experience, the mural serves as both a welcome and a reflection, a visual reminder of what makes this region so special. Visitors are greeted by familiar landmarks and thoughtful details that celebrate the people, stories, and places that define our home.
Auburn-Opelika Tourism began exploring the idea for the mural early in 2025. Finding the right artist took time, but the team was never in a hurry.
When we embark on a project like this, we do not rush the process. It has to be something that feels right for our community, Bridges said.
The project came together over several months, from early sketches to final brushstrokes. Every decision, from palette to placement, was made with purpose.
Finding an artist who could translate that feeling was not easy. Mural work is a specialized craft, and Banks Compton brought both the skill and the heart the project needed. Known for his ability to tell stories through color and design, Compton often involves young artists, from homeschool students to at-risk youth, introducing them to the world of public art and giving them a voice and sense of pride in the places they call home.
“Banks understands community,” Bridges said. “He ties people together through his art, and that is exactly what we wanted this mural to do.”
The mural is only the beginning. Auburn-Opelika Tourism plans to continue expanding public art opportunities throughout the area, including a new mural in downtown Auburn and potential projects that would engage local school groups and young artists.
“We would love to keep working with students and youth groups, introducing them to public art,” Bridges said. “Projects like this show how art impacts life and how creativity can make a community better.”
For visitors, the mural offers a first impression of Auburn-Opelika’s warmth and creativity. For locals, it stands as a point of pride, an everyday reminder of the community’s growth, collaboration, and shared story.
“We wanted this mural to serve as a mirror for our community,” Bridges said. “Whether you live here or you are visiting for the first time, we hope you see yourself in it. It expresses the pride, warmth, and emotion people feel about this place, even when those feelings are hard to put into words. And above all, we hope it brings a sense of joy to everyone who experiences it.”
The mural marks the beginning of a broader effort by Auburn-Opelika Tourism to invest in projects that celebrate local art and create meaningful experiences for all who pass through. As AOT continues exploring new ways to weave art into the fabric of the community, each project builds on the same goal: to make Auburn-Opelika a place that inspires pride, connection, and creativity for years to come.
Whether you are seeing it for the first time or rediscovering it on your next visit, this new addition to the Auburn-Opelika Experience invites you to see Auburn-Opelika in full color.
