NORWAY — Earlier this year, the Save the Belfry Committee of the First Universalist Church of Norway held a charity art auction, thanks to the generosity of Norway artist Don Best. Best donated one of his unique wood sculptures for the auction, with the proceeds benefitting the restoration of the church belfry.

The auction drew a number of interested bidders, with the high bid placed by Lorie Olson and Paul Ricci of South Paris. Olson and Ricci describe themselves as collectors who focus on the work of local artists. “We did not have a Don Best piece in our collection and we are supporters of the Save the Belfry project, so this opportunity was the perfect combination. We are so pleased to have this sculpture,” Olson said.

Save the Belfry is a community-wide project to restore the First Universalist Church of Norway belfry. The church building, constructed in 1828, is a marvelous timber frame structure and a testament to Yankee ingenuity and craftsmanship. More than 190 years of wind, water, and weather have caused structural deterioration that must be repaired.