Art Show, Supported By Meredith Village Savings Bank, Raises $20K For Youth, Arts Programs

MEREDITH, NH — A Lakes Region art fundraiser brought in $20,000 this year for two local nonprofits, with proceeds split evenly between the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and the Circle Program.

The seventh annual Paintings for a Purpose Art Show was held in July at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Founded by local watercolor artist Dr. Marc Bard, the event featured New Hampshire-inspired artwork donated by Bard. Because all of the artwork was donated, proceeds from purchases went directly to the two organizations, providing $10,000 to each.

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The fundraiser supported local youth and arts programming while bringing community members together around visual art. The funds will help the Winnipesaukee Playhouse continue its professional and community-based theatre and arts opportunities. The Circle Program will use its share to support experiential learning, mentoring and leadership development programs for young people.

"I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who visited the show, purchased artwork and helped make this year's event such a success," Bard said. "Knowing that $20,000 will support the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and the Circle Program makes sharing my artwork even more meaningful, and I'm honored to be part of a community that so generously supports local arts and youth programs."

The event also drew support from several local businesses and volunteers.

Meredith Village Savings Bank supported event planning and funded new art and card displays. Moulton Farm provided refreshments, Meredith Frame Shop helped with printing and framing, and Minuteman Press North Conway produced the cards. Bard's grandson, Ben Levine, handled the event's website and point-of-sale needs.

"This event is a wonderful reflection of what makes our community so special—people and local organizations coming together to share their talents, support one another and create meaningful opportunities," Cindy Hemeon-Plessner, SVP, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at MVSB and a Paintings for a Purpose board member, said. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year's show such a success and extend its positive impact throughout the Lakes Region."

Organizers also thanked the Paintings for a Purpose board, sponsors, partners, purchasers, and visitors for helping make the fundraising total possible.

More information about the fundraiser and updates on next year's show are available at paintingsforapurpose.org.

From left are artist Marc Bard; Paintings for a Purpose board members Cindy Hemeon-Plessner and Casey Gerken; and Winnipesaukee Playhouse representatives Bryan Knowlton, Producing Artistic Director; Michael Baker, board member; Annie Jenkins, Director of Development; and Leslie Pankhurst, Patron and Company Services Director.