Local artist Dr. Marc Bard hosted the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show opening reception June 29 at the MVSB Main Office in Meredith. Members of the community were invited to view and purchase beautiful watercolor paintings and prints featuring local Lakes Region scenes with proceeds from the sale of the art benefitting the Meredith Food Pantry. The event featured food generously contributed by Moulton Farm and live music by Kirk Meloney and fellow local musicians.

“We had a strong show of support from local community members, who came together to bond over art and support a great local nonprofit,” said Marc. “We have already raised $9,380 from the sale of the art – which is incredible.”

Bard’s artwork will be on display at MVSB’s Main Office through August 1, and all are invited to stop in to view or make purchases during business hours at 24 NH Route 25 in Meredith. MVSB has committed to a $5,000 contribution in support for the show and the Meredith Food Pantry.

“We still have pieces available for purchase and I am currently accepting commissioned pieces by request,” said Marc. “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.”

“Marc is a wonderful artist and has such passion for showcasing this beautiful region we call home,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “We jumped at the chance to help host this unique event that will also give back to those in need. The opening night reception was a success and we couldn’t be more grateful for this wonderful community we call home.”

For those wishing to offer additional support to the Meredith Food Pantry, they are currently accepting donations of fresh fruit, vegetables, toothpaste, toilet paper, conditioner, laundry soap and additional basic household items at 147 Main Street in Meredith. They are open from 9 am-1 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Go to benjylevine07.wixsite.com/paintingforapurpose to view samples of Marc’s paintings and to read more about Marc. Go to www.mvsb.com/2023/06/01/paintings-for-a-purpose to read more about the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show.

Local artist Dr. Marc Bard (center) discusses his artwork with opening night attendees at the MVSB Main Office in Meredith. Bard’s artwork will be on display at MVSB through August 1, and all are invited to stop in to view or make purchases during business hours. Courtesy Photo

Local artist Dr. Marc Bard’s watercolor painting “Squam Sunset” sits on an easel during the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show June 29 at the MVSB Main Office in Meredith. Courtesy Photo

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.

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do. By building and nurturing relationships, we believe that we can cultivate a community where we all thrive. It all starts with caring about our customers and neighbors. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.