LEWISTON – The Tri-County Mental Health Services children’s case management program recently hosted an open house at their 1155 Lisbon St. office to celebrate a mural that was recently completed.

The mural, which covers the four walls of the former board room, was done for the children who receive services there. The Children’s Consumer Advisory Committee undertook the project as a way to fulfill its vision of creating a safe and fun space for the children.

The mural begins with a forest scene leading to the seashore where a lighthouse stands against the rocky shoreline. Local artist Jean Murdoch-Gallant, herself the parent of a child with special needs, understood what Tri-County was looking for when they approached her and asked if she would lend her talent to the project.

Not only did she complete a work of art, she included a puzzle of sorts within the mural. Blowing across the seagrass is a scroll, which lists from one to 10 a variety of animals, including moose, rabbits, turtles, butterflies and ants, that are found in the mural. The number next to the name of the animal indicates how many of those animals are somewhere in the mural.

Children have found the search fun. Ashley Harbin, an adolescent member of the advisory committee, said, “The room is great, really awesome!” Ashley’s mom thinks so too, and added that she feels like the room is only the beginning of great things to happen in the community.

Executive Director Greg Shea was found among the searchers on the day of the open house, and said, “I was swept away by the magic of the room the moment I stepped into it. I couldn’t be happier for the kids, prouder of their parents, nor more grateful to the artist, Jean.”