The Marion Art Center honored retired Executive Director Wendy Todd Bidstrup on Saturday by dedicating the center’s historic bell tower to her.

After volunteering there for many years, Bidstrup became the center’s first executive director in 1985. She retired in 2010.

The following year, the bell tower was restored with money from the Community Preservation Fund and many individual patrons of the Marion Art Center.

On Saturday, Bidstrup said she never expected to have part of the building dedicated in her name.

“I was thrilled and surprised,” she said.

Of her 25 years at executive director, Bidstrup said, “It was truly a labor of love. I loved every minute of it.”

She added that the children’s programs she began were her favorite part of the job along with the many volunteers she collaborated with at the center.

On Saturday, Art Center board members unveiled a plaque naming the bell tower after Bidstrup.