Maggie Stark Visual Arts Department Member of the Faculty, 1986–2017
into a suite of murals for the town library. Older students in the 3-D Studio Art course would progress from building a functional chair out of cardboard to designing a conceptual clock
Practicing artist, gallery director, parent and
based on Alan Lightman’s novel
innovative teacher, Maggie Stark has had to
Einstein’s Dreams.
be a proficient juggler during her 37 years at Milton. Like all the best jugglers, she managed
Maggie’s professional work as an artist and designer animated her teaching. Her
commemorated when grateful colleagues inscribed her name in the concrete apron there. Looking back, Maggie thanks Milton for the freedom it gave her as a teacher. The
that skill so self-effacingly that after a while the
classroom doubled as her studio space and
eggs seemed to be circling of their own accord.
was filled with silver mirror balls, glowing
School should be at least equally grateful for
glass tubes, and light boxes. As with her
the energy, inventiveness and dedication she
recent “Timelock” series, her many “high-
brought to the challenges freedom presents.
Years before the creation of innovation labs and “maker spaces,” Maggie was already connecting art and science through design.
tech” exhibits, contemporary in all respects,
She feels that since she came to Milton,
Her 3-D Studio Art course was groundbreak
have captured human struggles in meta
students’ attitudes toward art have evolved in
ing for Milton and for secondary education.
physical terms. Her reach as an artist and
positive ways—that, particularly, there is a
Maggie provided an important role model,
educator extended to fellowships that took
stronger sense of the thrill of making things. If
especially for girls in a traditionally male
her to Germany and to South Korea.
this is so, much of the credit belongs to her.
realm. Often using books as triggers, Maggie
Maggie’s commitment to Milton extended Gordon Chase, Former Visual Arts
connected the designer’s world of space
beyond the classroom. Her 11 years as director
and form to the world of ideas. Eighth graders
of the Nesto Gallery produced a stream of
Department Chair
would channel what they’d read into tile
memorable shows. Her leadership in designing
Ian Torney ’82, Visual Arts Department Chair
designs for the Middle School common room.
and installing the playground at the Milton
David Smith, Former English
Ninth graders would transmute fairy tales
Academy Children’s Center was permanently
Department Chair
True to her word, once I started class, Susan focused on taking notes and tried her best not to join the class discussion. Though, the highlights of the semester for both me and my class of eight students were the moments when Susan could not contain herself and would dive into the discussion. Despite her best intentions, Susan became a valuable member of our class. Susan, your practical, holistic, empathetic and humored approach to both teaching and learning are characteristics that have not only endeared you to your students, but that will also serve you well as you move into the next chapter of your life. We wish you all the best in the next part of your journey, but we will miss you here at Milton. Joshua Emmott History Department and Wolcott House Head
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