About

About Marc Bard

Now in double overtime of a fulfilling career as a medical illustrator, practicing physician, author, health care executive, and national health care consultant, Marc Bard currently devotes his time to embracing the Squam Lake environs with his wife Carol and, whenever possible, his children and grandchildren. He enjoys studying watercolor painting and contributing to the success of local non-profit charitable organizations by donating all proceeds from his artwork to support their missions.

About Ben Levine

Ben Levine is Paintings for a Purpose’s Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, as well as a senior at Gann Academy. He enjoys engineering, business, and their intersection in entrepreneurship. At Gann, he is a member of 4466 R.A.B.B.I., Gann’s varsity FTC robotics team, and the school’s marketing team. When not deep in his devices, he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, running, and spending time with his family. During the summer, he enjoys wakeboarding and Squam Lake sunsets on the boat. Learn more at benjamin-levine.com

About Paintings for a Purpose

Paintings for a Purpose was initiated in 2021 as a collaboration between Marc Bard and Davida Cook, owner of Meredith Frame Shop, to raise funds for Meredith Food Pantry. The Frame Shop’s large picture windows enabled individuals to view and select the artwork in a safe, outdoor environment while maintaining Covid-era social distancing. In its first year the show raised just under three thousand dollars to support those suffering food insecurity during Covid. The following year generated even more funds to support the Food Pantry. 

In 2023 the Frame Shop was rendered uninhabitable by water damage from a frozen pipe in an apartment above the shop and the art show was charitably hosted by Meredith Village Savings Bank and generously supported by Moulton Farm of Meredith, NH. Beneficiaries of the annual summer show have now included Meredith Food Pantry, Restoration Acres Farm, CASA of NH, End 68 Hours of Hunger in Wolfeboro, NH, Kingswood Youth Center, Meredith Public Library, Squam Lakes Association, and Squam Lakes Conservation Society. Beneficiaries selected for 2025 include Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH and Got Lunch! in Laconia, NH.

More recently, Paintings for a Purpose has expanded and today operates as a New Hampshire charitable nonprofit organization. Meredith Frame Shop, Meredith Village Savings Bank, and Moulton Farm serve as sponsors and all three organizations are represented on Paintings for a Purpose’s board of directors.

The organization’s purpose is to raise funds for the benefit of New Hampshire community members through the creation and sale of artwork. Its mission is to advance the well-being of community members by financially supporting organizations that provide beneficial resources and services to their community members.

Paintings for a purpose is proud to have the following Board of Directors:

Kay Lacasse, Bruce Falby, Cynthia Hemeon-Plessner, Davida Cook, Kim Godfrey Lovett, Marc Bard

Our Proud Sponsors

Meredith Village Savings Bank

Since its inception in 1869, Meredith Village Savings Bank has provided a safe, convenient place to save money and help people achieve their financial and personal goals for over 150 years. Today we offer a wide range of financial products and services to meet the changing needs of customers and the communities we serve. What began as a one-room operation in downtown Meredith, NH has become a successful mutual savings bank with 15 offices in 14 New Hampshire communities throughout the Lakes Region, Plymouth, Seacoast and Mount Washington Valley areas.

Moulton Farm

Under the leadership of John Moulton, Moulton Farm is a cherished New Hampshire Lakes Region resource renowned for practicing sustainable agriculture and dedicated to providing the highest quality fruits and vegetables while committed to preserving its rich soil for future generations. Located in the heart of the Region at the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee, the farm has been providing locally grown food and fun since the 1890s.

Meredith Frame Shop

Under the leadership of Davida Cook, Meredith Frame Shop is a full-service framing resource providing restoration and custom creative framing for artwork, photos, needlework, certificates, memorabilia, and shadow boxes.