Thanks to a grant from the Pati Bannister Foundation, the mural on Hancock Bank’s west wall in downtown Bay St. Louis is on the way to being restored to its original glory.

The 16-foot by 98-foot mural depicting Hancock County’s history was painted by local artist John McDonald in 1997. “The Promenade” quickly became a popular attraction and landmark in Old Town.

It was damaged by Hurricane Katrina’s wind and water and now, 10 years later,  private funding will be used to begin the process of restoring the artwork.

Hancock County Chancery Clerk Tim Kellar is working with the foundation on the project. “Recently, I met with the artist’s representative and the Pati Bannister Foundation and we are moving forward toward renovating this wonderful piece of Bay St. Louis/ Hancock County art,” Kellar said. “This is a private venture. The Pati Bannister Foundation has agreed to pay a national mural restoration group to determine how to restore the mural and provide a cost analysis. When the report is done, the Pati Bannister Foundation and artist John D. McDonald will then seek partners to fully fund a restoration.”

Bannister, a well known artist and Hancock County resident, died in 2013.