Personalia

From volunteer to executive director; retirement won't be easy

MARION — For Wendy Bidstrup, things have certainly come full circle over the past four decades.

Flash back to 1964, when Bidstrup, then busy raising three young children and living on the Tabor Academy campus with her faculty member husband, decided to volunteer at the Marion Art Center.

She quickly fell in love with the Art Center and its mission to foster an intergenerational love for the arts and ended up joining its board of directors. In 1985 she became the nonprofit's first paid executive director, a position she held until retiring in December 2010.

But rather than choosing to move on, Bidstrup now finds herself volunteering for the very organization she has come to love over the past 40 years.

Wendy Bidstrup's deep dedication to the arts and her community are the reasons she has been named The Standard-Times 2011 Marion Woman of the Year.

Nominations for the award came from the community and members of the newspaper staff. Recipients were selected by a newsroom committee.

"It never felt like work to me," said Bidstrup, who currently resides in Wareham.

"I've always believed the arts are important for all ages. I consider myself lucky to have had the best job in the world for the past 25 years. Not too many people can honestly say that."

"I've never met anyone so dedicated to her community," said Deborah Bokelkamp, who succeeded Bidstrup as executive director of the Marion Art Center.

"She's put so much of herself into making the Art Center into what it is today. You can't even begin to quantify it and I couldn't be happier that she's still here to lend her support."

In theory, Bidstrup's position as executive director was part-time but, as the only paid staff member to support the Art Center's numerous yearly events, classes and exhibitions, many recall her contributions stretching far beyond her salary.

"It's difficult for me to even begin to describe her commitment and dedication," said Barbara Gee, a longtime board member.

"Everything she does is in the best interest of her community. You rarely have the opportunity to work with someone with her energy and vision."

Simultaneously wearing many hats, including playwright, song writer, producer, director, stage manager, set designer, museum curator and innovator, Bidstrup took what could have remained a small town gem to regional recognition.

"For me, the fact that people from far outside Marion come here and partake in the programs we offer means a great deal," said Bidstrup.

Founded in 1957, the Art Center was still in its childhood when Bidstrup came aboard. Under her guidance it grew and evolved, today offering opportunities for patrons of all ages to partake in the visual and performing arts.

"I love this place and the fact that so many other people do as well is the best award recognition I could ever receive," she said.

Having recently been formally recognized for her lifelong achievements by her alma mater, Wells College, Bidstrup is still quick to downplay her contributions.

"There are so many people out there who have made incredible sacrifices and done incredible things," said Bidstrup, who is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and traveling with her new-found freedom.

"For me, this job was a gift."

While she currently resides in Wareham after calling Marion her home for so long, Bidstrup will never let go of her commitment to the community in which she lived for so many years.

"There have been days when I've felt like I live in Marion and sleep in Wareham," she joked.

"Either way, the people across this region are incredible. They make it impossible to really retire. I'm still planning to stick around."

"We're not going to let her go," said Bokelkamp.