As Ursula Flaherty sees it, art expresses community value, increases visitors and makes everyone feel good.

“Art is a necessity of life,” Flaherty told the Bridgton Select Board Tuesday night while giving an update from the town’s Community Development Committee.

To continue the effort to reinvigorate the town, the CDC’s Arts & Culture Committee is moving ahead with plans to dress up some buildings’ walls with colorful murals. One design — shown here by artist Karen Erwin — has received a thumbs up from the Ricky’s Diner building’s owner, Jamie Potter. Flaherty anticipates mural work to start in the spring.

“He (Potter) agreed to pay for the paint,” Flaherty said. “And, he wants the whole side of the wall used.”

Flaherty impressed upon town officials that “we can’t always ask for a favor” and that money needs to be raised or budgeted to pay artists’ for their efforts. Erwin developed the mural design and will be the project manager. The hope is also to involve high school art students.

“If we really want to do something effective, the town has to be behind it; the administration of the town has to be behind it,” Flaherty said. “We have an opportunity here to get this rolling. We will look to Foundations and grants, but often, we need a matching fund. There has to be some commitment by the town.”

Selectman Bob McHatton remembers when the town overlooked the importance of rec programs, but learned the value of activities for children and adults. The same lesson applies to the arts, McHatton said, tossing his support for the mural project.

“I like to see people working together to get it done and do a good job for the town,” Flaherty added. “This is an opportunity we need to look at and celebrate as a town.”