2024 Gallery
Newnan High School Grad returns to donate mural
By Will Thomas
After working on high profile VFX projects with Netflix and HBO, Todd Das Fuerst, better known as Das.BK, returns to his street artist roots with a new mural on Newnan High School’s recently renovated campus.
A Newnan native, Fuerst started his art career by painting murals on the side of Abraham’s Gold & Pawn Shop, located on Temple Avenue. After graduating from Newnan High School in 1999, he joined the United States Air Force and served for six years, earning two campaign medals in the process. Following his military service, Fuerst used the G.I. Bill to further his education, obtaining a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he studied 3D
animation and visual effects.
Fuerst heard about the damage Newnan High School’s campus sustained after an EF4 tornado touched down in March 2021. “I was watching the news when they ran a piece on how the NHS needed to be renovated and I thought there might be an opportunity to contribute some high level artwork for the new school,” said Fuerst. Fuerst painted the mural on the retaining wall facing the high school’s tennis courts, featuring the words “Proving Grounds” overlapping the words “Newnan High.” “My aim is to contribute professional artwork that enhances the NHS Cougar brand to feel elevated and top-tier, as well as bolstering school pride and Newnan High Cougar legacy. I am excited about their future,” said Fuerst.
Fuerst says he draws inspiration from several different artists and styles.
“1980's graffiti back in the old New York days really got me going. Being from Newnan, this was a culture that I was completely curious and obsessed with. Graffiti definitely set the stage for modern day street art and gave artists a platform for public art on walls,” said Fuerst. Fuerst hopes his mural’s message will resonate with the students and staff of Newnan High School
for years to come.
“In many ways we are all on our own proving grounds in life,” said Fuerst, “I am very grateful to the NHS staff and leadership for allowing me to make this contribution.”