“ Hicks brought to the art educational movement exceptional qualifications for directorship. She had received not only a fine technical art training, but she had also made a thorough study of the history and literature of art On the educational and practical side her preparation has been no less broad and strong. As the art educational movement has developed throughout the country during the past twelve years, Mrs. Hicks has been recognized as one of the leaders. ”

“ Hicks appeared before the Woman's Congress in 1875 and 1876, urging that the subject of art education should be promoted by associations for study similar to the Social Art Club and Portfolio Club of Syracuse, and that public exhibitions, loan exhibitions and museums should be established. ”