The Role of Art on Campus: An Interview with Ms. Hughes
Gemini, Jennifer Hughes
By Mia Xu ‘28
“Art is the window to man’s soul,” Lady Bird Johnson once said. Her quote expresses the profound importance of art, but is art valued as much as other fields? At Milton Academy, art and its impact might not always be noticed, but it is deeply valued by both students and faculty. One faculty member, who is not only a dedicated teacher of many courses but also a passionate artist with many artworks, shares her experiences in art and how she views its role.
One piece that holds special significance for Ms. Hughes is a screen print named “Gemini,” inspired by her mother. The lace used in the piece comes from a lace table runner her mother owned, and the title, “Gemini,” reflects her mother’s zodiac sign. “My mom was a big gardener, so for me, using a lace pattern from her that also had flowers on it was really meaningful,” she explained. The piece itself has a multilayered print, featuring two hands that seemingly mirror each other like twins, with a subtle ghost image beneath the printed green lace. “I wanted to highlight the scalloped edge of the lace to break away from a strict, square format,” Ms. Hughes shared. Meanwhile, the color scheme also evolved throughout the process. “The green wasn’t there at first. It was added to contrast the red, and the hands with everything else form almost a fiery flame pushing the image upward,” she noted.
Beyond individual works, Ms. Hughes reflected on the broader role of art within the Milton community. “People take for granted how much art influences everything we do—design, architecture, music, [and] even how we buy things,” she said. “Art isn’t just about creating something beautiful. It’s about exploring ideas and expressing emotions.”
Art is crucial in shaping how we see the world. It fosters creativity, encourages critical thinking, and develops self-expression. Art is a mirror and a lens, allowing us to reflect on our experiences while also showing more about the world in depth and beyond the surface. In a world that is so fast-moving, art provides a space of zen to challenge norms and communicate ideas in a way different from words, promoting interactions with materials and concepts that may be unfamiliar.
According to Ms. Hughes, art surpasses self-expression; it is also a vital skill that impacts everyday life. “Your life, your world, is all influenced by the arts in some way,” she emphasized. “Whether it’s through making a science poster, choosing a car, or even navigating urban spaces, art is embedded in everything.”
She also highlights how art expands the worldview of students. “Even if you’re not planning to become an artist, understanding design, composition, and visual storytelling can change how you view the world,” Ms. Hughes pointed out. “Art fosters critical thinking and helps you make more connections between seemingly unrelated things.”
For students interested in pursuing creative projects, Ms. Hughes encourages them to embrace their creativity without hesitation. “People doubt their own creativity, but no one has that doubt when they’re five years old. You just go ahead and do it,” she explained. She encourages students to wholeheartedly embrace their artistic side. “Stage an impromptu play on the quad with your friends, or start sketching, either way, go for it. I’m telling people to be more creative.”
While the school may not currently display faculty artwork, Ms. Hughes’ insights remind students that art is still present and significant in daily life. From the classroom to her own projects, her passion for art is a powerful example of how creative expression can connect people together and teach them something new.