From left, local artist Dr. Marc Bard presents a watercolor depiction of Meredith Bay to Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. The 2023 “Paintings for a Purpose” art show preview night is open to the public from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 29 at the MVSB Main Office, 24 NH Route 25. Art will also be on display in the lobby from June 30-August 1 during business hours.
When Dr. Marc Bard recently retired from his 50-year medical career, he was excited to have more time to pursue two of his passions, watercolor painting and enjoying the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. But he wanted a way to combine these efforts to help support local charitable organizations, and that is when the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show was born.
For the past three years, Dr. Bard has gathered support from local businesses and community members to host the annual art show with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
“As I approached the fifth quarter of a gratifying career, I was fortunate to be able to return to my artistic roots and pursue a medium I have always wanted to try – watercolor painting,” said Marc. “Today, many of my paintings depict the tranquil environs of Squam Lake and Winnipesaukee communities.”
This year’s show will be held at MVSB’s Main Office at 24 NH Route 25 in Meredith. The public is invited to a special preview night from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 29 and art will also be on display in the lobby from June 30-August 1. All are welcome to stop in during business hours to view and purchase the artwork.
The Meredith Frame Shop in downtown Meredith has been a proud host for the show – but when a recent burst pipe caused water damage in the studio, Marc found himself searching for a new space this year. Marcus Weeks, MVSB President, met with Marc and offered the Bank’s Meredith Main Office lobby space for this year’s art show. The Bank will also match up to $5,000 in support of the fundraiser.
“Marc is a wonderful artist and has such passion for showcasing this beautiful region we call home,” said Marcus. “We jumped at the chance to help host this unique opportunity that will also give back to those in need.”
All proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit the Meredith Food Pantry. MVSB employees will be collecting cash or check payments for art sold or donations to the pantry.
“I would like to offer a special thank you to MVSB, Moulton Farm, Meredith Frame Shop and other community partners for all their support of this year’s event,” said Marc. “The community outreach for this project has been overwhelming and I am forever grateful. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Bank throughout the month of July.”
Go to benjylevine07.wixsite.com/paintingforapurpose to view samples of Marc’s paintings and to read more about Marc.
Dr. Marc Bard earned his medical school tuition illustrating medical books and journal articles. During his residency he participated in a novel program sponsored by the Harvard teaching hospitals, in which he actively participated in its design. After residency Dr. Bard served as the first director of ambulatory services at Mount Auburn Hospital and in 1980 he was recruited to be Chief of Internal Medicine at Harvard Community Health Plan where he built a spectacular department of clinicians. As a result of the innovative programs designed for the department, he was invited to consult to Kaiser Permanente, thereby launching an over forty-year healthcare consulting career. By 1997 his practice expanded into a consulting firm where he served as Founder and CEO for the next 12 years until it was acquired by Navigant Consulting. He served as Chief Innovation Officer for Navigant, taking a brief sabbatical to write one of the first published books on the Affordable Care Act. He was recruited by the Bloomberg administration in New York to be the initial CEO of the 2400-strong physician practice serving the New York public hospital system. Today, Dr. Bard divides his time between a limited consulting practice, painting, exercise, volunteer work, and active participation in the lives of his wonderful grandchildren.
Meredith Food Pantry is located at 147 Main Street in Meredith, NH and serves the communities of Meredith, New Hampton and Center Harbor. For more information, all 603-279-1115.