About Walldogs
Changing the world, one small town at a time.
The Walldogs are a passionate, global band of mural-painting artisans dedicated to the art of visual storytelling. Our movement traces its roots back to the early 1900s, honoring the original “wall dogs” who painted massive advertisements on barns and buildings across the country in every kind of weather.
Today, we preserve the nearly lost traditions of handcrafted sign design and brush lettering through high-energy, collaborative festivals that transform small towns into outdoor galleries. These events are more than just an art project; they are a vehicle for “common unity,” bringing total strangers together to celebrate a community’s unique history and spirit. By the time we “kill the white” on the final wall, we leave behind more than just paint—we leave a lasting legacy of local pride and a proven spark for economic growth.
Our History
Our movement began in 1993 in the town of Allerton, Iowa.
Our name pays homage to the early 1900s advertising artists who painted billboards on walls and barns across America. Working through extreme weather and perilous conditions, these artisans were said to “work like dogs,” earning them the nickname “wall dogs”. Today, we draw inspiration from their handcrafted designs and the “faded ghosts” of their signs that still survive on old rooftops
In 1975, a grassroots group called the “Letterheads” formed to preserve traditional sign-making techniques, such as brush lettering and pictorial work, which were being replaced by faster technology. Frustrated by the “deadening sameness” of modern signs, these artists began hosting workshops to keep the art form alive. This movement provided the contemporary roots for what would eventually become the Walldogs.
In 1985, artist Nancy B. Bennett organized fellow Letterheads to paint a mural in her hometown of Allerton, Iowa. What began as a one-day effort to improve a community park evolved into a movement. In 1993, the first official “Walldog meet” was held in Allerton, where 75 artists gathered to “paint the town” and discovered the “magic” of collaborative public art
Since those early days in Iowa, the Walldog movement has expanded across North America and the globe, painting over 500 murals by 2015. We serve as a vehicle for community building, helping small towns rediscover their pride and boost their local economies through “cultural tourism”. Our mission remains simple: to work together on the shared ground of community.
Host a Mural Event
In Your Town! Learn More
Walldog Murals are a proven method of
economic growth for communities.
From booming shop sales to packed hotels, we bring more than just paint—we bring a wave of tourism and a proven economic spark over time.
OPEN FESTIVALS
Each year, our global band of artisans selects one community for a multi-day festival planned up to five years in advance. Dozens of artists “paint the town,” leaving behind a permanent gallery of murals that celebrate your community’s unique history.
COMMISSIONED FESTIVALS
For communities that cannot wait for the festival list, this option hires a dedicated team of 3–5 artists per mural to complete 1–10 works over approximately five days. You will be assigned a paid Walldog Coordinator to manage the process and ensure a successful collaborative event.