Walls Between Waters is NRDC’s annual large-scale mural festival that transforms downtown Ticonderoga through public art. Organized in partnership with the Essex County Land Bank, the festival focuses on bringing public art installations to spaces near blighted, vacant, and abandoned properties, fostering community pride and encouraging economic revitalization. All murals are located within easy walking distance of one another in the downtown corridor, and the festival atmosphere draws media attention and outside visitors while inviting residents to be part of the public art creation. 

The inaugural festival took place in June 2025, featuring five large-scale murals painted by professional artists throughout downtown Ticonderoga. The second annual festival was held on June 6, 2026, bringing together world-class muralists, live music, and local food, drink, and craft vendors for a full day of art and community celebration. All mural designs are informed by community feedback, town halls, and a local committee, ensuring the art reflects the stories, landscapes, and identity of the North Country. The festival also includes a Mural Apprentice Program that pairs local emerging artists with experienced muralists, offering hands-on experience with large-scale public art installation. 

Walls Between Waters is part of NRDC’s broader creative placemaking series alongside the Fireside Folk Festival and the Blossom Reverie Fair, programs that together have redefined downtown Ticonderoga’s identity as a cultural hub.

For more details, please visit: Essex County Land Bank