What happens when history, art, and community transformation converge on six brick walls in Ticonderoga, NY? In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Nicole Justice Green, Executive Director of the Essex County Land Bank, to explore the story behind Walls Between Waters—a bold new mural project and public event that’s turning once-vacant buildings into landmarks.

Nicole shares the inspiration behind the project, how world-renowned artists and community voices came together to tell Ticonderoga’s story through paint, and what this kind of creative revitalization means for the future of Essex County towns. Is it public art? Is it place-making? Is it a love letter to a region steeped in natural beauty and layered history? Yes, yes, and yes.

Whether you're a mural lover, a curious traveler, or someone passionate about breathing new life into old spaces, this episode has something for you.

What You’ll Hear About:

• What Walls Between Waters is and why it matters
• The story behind the name
• How the community came together and shaped the initiative
• The Essex County Land Bank’s role in creative revitalization
• Why transformation through art isn’t just possible—it’s powerful
• A look ahead at what’s next for art and engagement in the Adirondacks

Tune in and be inspired by how a wall can become a window into a community’s soul.

Mural Artists

• Justin Suarez, Aerosol Kingdom
• Tim Parsley
• Emily Ding
• Arcy
• Arlin Graff
• Key Detail

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Walls Between Waters
• Essex County Land Bank
• Rubblebucket
• Alex Hal, Public Art Consultant
• North Country Rural Development Corporation
• The Original Star Trek Series Store Museum
• Fort Ticonderoga
• Ticonderoga Arts
• Depot Theatre in Westport
• Essex County Arts
• The Mill
• Sylvano
• Jay Covered Bridge

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and things to do in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].