Alabama One credit union's new mural symbolizes Alberta's post-2011 rebirth

A new mural on the wall of Alabama One credit union in Alberta is a bit more than a nice painting. The mural, done by Demopolis born artist Banks Compton, is a symbol of the the rebirth of the community that was badly ravaged by the 2011 tornado.

Bill Wells, CEO of Alabama One Credit Union, said at a Tuesday celebration of the mural's debut, "I always wanted something that would set us apart. As I have traveled around Alabama I've had this idea of murals. I just had this idea that I wanted to take that canvas on that front there and find someone to do a mural for us."

The branch occupies a former bank building on University Boulevard in front of the Piggly Wiggly and across from the Alberta School of Performing Arts. The performing arts school was built on the former site of Alberta Elementary School, which was destroyed in the April 27, 2011, tornado.

More:2011 tornado set Alberta's resurgence back. Ten years later, it's back on the upswing.

The Alabama One branch will use automated teller machines to handle many traditional bank functions, but it will also have involvement from branch personnel, according to Martin Houston, the chief growth officer. He said employees will help customers help with the usual banking tasks, but they will also educate customers about all things financial,

"We want to be embedded in the community, so we intentionally got this location," Houston said. "We want to be in this community. Part of our philosophy is to go places where there is a need for financial literacy and wellness. That's one of our pillars."

A pair of automated teller machines sit inside the building's lobby and financial officers are on hand to meet other needs and to help with the financial education aspects of the business. Houston said that Alberta's rebirth and growth could only happen and continue through the investment of businesses in the community.

"I think it is very important the Alberta community sees that the corporate community values not just Tuscaloosa, but Alberta specifically. I think that as people see more and more companies with choices to be anywhere they want choosing to come here, I think it says a lot about the community but I think it also says a lot about the residents here," Houston said.

The wall facing University Boulevard was painted over the course of five days earlier this year Compton. The 23-year-old artist said he was trying to highlight Alberta and familiar aspects of the greater Tuscaloosa community with the mural. Compton uses exterior house paint that will be coated with a protective layer for UV protection, then an anti-graffiti coat will be added that will be easy to clean.

"Because of the place of where this branch is, we felt this surface gave us a great billboard to highlight the community and be a part of the rebuilding process for Alberta," Houston said.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: New mural symbolizes Alberta's rebirth after 2011 tornado devastation