A new art initiative, The Lake George Art & Canoe Trail, will include four murals to be displayed throughout the Village. The Lake George Arts Project, in collaboration with the Town and Village of Lake George, asks local artists interested in working on the project to apply for this opportunity.
“The mural component of the planned Lake George Art & Canoe Trail represents an exciting opportunity to weave art directly into the fabric of our community,” said Arts Project Executive Director Tanya Tobias in a press statement. “This project is about more than murals; it’s about transforming public spaces into vibrant destinations and lasting landmarks while making art accessible to everyone. We’re excited to invite artists to bring forward bold, creative visions that capture the spirit, history, and natural beauty of the region.”
All artists living within a 100-mile radius of Lake George are welcome to apply. Those experienced with large-scale public art or site-specific design are urged to apply, but it is not a requirement. Applicants are encouraged to explore Lake George’s history and landscape when developing themes for their proposals. Compensation for selected artists will be based on assigned location and will include a stipend for supplies and materials to be paid one month before starting.
Artists may submit multiple designs and apply for more than one of the following selected mural locations:
- 109 Canada Street (Side of the LG Mini-Mart / Gyro Hut)
- 127 Canada Street (Side of the Fun World Arcade on McGillis)
- Lower Amherst Street (Wall below the Boardwalk Restaurant, which requires a design refresh preserving the current aesthetic)
- Beach Road (Lake George Village Pump Station near the public docks)
Applications will be accepted from June 10, 2026, through July 10, 2026. A selection panel will meet during the week of July 15, and artists will be notified at the end of July.
Work schedule:
- August 1 – 27, 2026: Wall preparation, priming, and painting
- August 27 – 29, 2026: Final signage installation
- August 30, 2026: Official public launch
Each mural will feature signage with a QR code linking to the Lake George Arts Project website, where the artist’s name, the title of the work, inspiration, and historical references will be displayed.
Interested artists can view full guidelines and access the online application form at https://lakegeorgearts.org/call-for-muralists/
“Lake George has long inspired visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community spirit. Through this initiative, we hope to create new opportunities for artists to share their talents while enhancing our public spaces with works that reflect the character, creativity, and energy of our community,” says Lake George Village Mayor Ray Perry.
The initiative is part of a larger, multi-phase public art project spanning 2026 and 2027. The summer 2026 phase focuses on creating four distinct outdoor murals. The second phase, featuring 18 uniquely designed and painted canoes and paddles, is scheduled to launch in the Spring of 2027.
The Lake George Arts & Canoe Trail is funded through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program, with a mission to beautify landscapes, introduce art in unexpected places, and celebrate local artists. In alignment with the NYS DRI funding goals, proposals from artists certified as New York State Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE), or those utilizing NYS-certified MWBE suppliers, will receive priority.
Featured image: Artist Shay DeRusso paints a traffic control signal box in front of Shepard Park, one of five artists who worked on the Lake George Arts Project’s 2022 Power Up project.
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