Despite her refined English accent and pristine appearance, at 83-years-young Doreen Squire Ficara isn't afraid of a little hard work. As a matter of fact, she relishes it.

As the executive director of the Carmel Arts Council, Doreen can be found working as early as 5:30 in the morning or as late at 10:30 at night. She's well-known in this community as a fundraiser extraordinaire (and sometimes the "Queen Mum of Carmel") with an unabashed zest for life and not an ounce of compunction about asking for donations to her causes. There is little doubt that the "arts movement" on which Carmel is hanging its future development hat is in part due to Doreen's dedication to the arts in general and in particular "The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery" which opened in January 1998.

The gallery was actually located in a wing of the Zina Warren home. One of the city's founders, the circa-1875 home was moved to the downtown in 1975 for the nation's Bicentennial festivities. The historic structure acted as the first office for the Carmel-Clay Chamber of Commerce before it became the headquarters for the Carmel Arts Council. While they initially used it as a gallery for local artists, Doreen set out on a mission to establish the structure as "The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery." Recognized as such by Guiness World Records, last year the facility drew 3,500 visitors to view artwork from local school children.

Her list of accomplishments is a lengthy one. She was instrumental in establishing Carmel's Veteran's Memorial (for which she assisted in raising $430,000), overseeing the Carmel Arts and Design District Mural, annually penning the Carmel Clay History Activity Book (2002 - 2008) as well as establishing (and fundraising for) historic plaques marking some of Carmel's original spots for the library, theatre and the first doctor's office. Her "English Silver Tea" has become a spring mainstay, raising enough money for four $1,500 scholarships annually. She was a recipient of a 2007 "Experience Works: Prime Time Awards." Representing the State of Indiana, Doreen traveled to Washington, D.C. where she was honored for her efforts.

The native of Hole Farm, Holbeton, Devon, England, she points to her mother's side of the family who lived into their 90s and an aunt who reached 101. While she recalls her days of visiting her maternal grandmother's farm in Modbury, Devon (of which the description conjurs up images of "The Secret Garden") and still visits England, she is very much a person who lives in the present and looks forward to tomorrow with vim and vigor. She continues to be an active member of the Carmel Rotary Club and recently accepted a post as a  board member of the Tarkington Civic Theatre.

"I just like to help wherever I can," she says. "I believe we all make history every day. It's important to realize how important each and every one of us is in that process."