OGDEN -- Every month, Arlene Muller rearranges all of the displays in the Carriage House at the Eccles Community Art Center, 2580 Jefferson Ave.
The 84-year-old volunteer loves to move the shelves and hutches and set the theme for an upcoming art show. She's also the center's hostess during First Friday Art Stroll each month.
She loves her job so much, she's been there 28 years.
"I love meeting new people. We have a lot of people from all over the world visit us at the center, and they are very interesting to talk to," Muller said. "It's so enjoyable to watch them and to watch children learn to appreciate art."
Not only is she a volunteer, Muller is a featured artist herself.
"She does a lot of textile art," said Liz McPherson, a receptionist at the art center. "She makes a lot of things out of material, such as pocket dolls, witches for Halloween, Christmas elves and wreathes and stuffed animals. She has even designed dolls with her own personal patterns. She's very talented."
Born and raised in Ogden, Muller graduated from Ogden High School in 1944. She earned a teaching degree from Weber College and began teaching second grade at Burch Creek Elementary School. She also taught at Club Heights and Taylor elementary schools before quitting to go to work for her husband, Paul, at his pharmacy in Ogden.
Muller has volunteered ever since she can remember. She said when her three children were small, she volunteered in the schools. She also volunteered for the 4H Club and the Girl Scouts. Then, 28 years ago, she was asked to work at the Eccles Community Art Center. She declined, but said she would volunteer.
"I didn't want them to pay me. I just wanted to volunteer," she said.
McPherson is amazed at Muller's energy.
"She is quite an asset," she said. "I can't believe everything she accomplishes. She's really an amazing person. We have been very lucky to have her with us."
When she isn't volunteering, Muller loves to work in her garden.
"I love working with the flowers and making toad stools and frogs and stepping stones out of cement," she said. "I have to keep my hands busy. I can never just sit down and do nothing. I love to make things. Right now I'm making witches and pumpkin dolls."
Muller said she wants to continue volunteering at the art center for a very long time.
"I'll stay there as long as they'll have me," she said. "It makes me feel good, and I think I make other people feel good too."
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