Victor D’Amico (1904-1987), founding director of the Education Department at the Museum of Modern Art, and Mabel Birckhead D’Amico (1909-1998), an art educator and department director at Rye High School, were pioneering artists and teachers. They established their seaside home, studios, and a summer art institute for adults and children at the eastern end of Long Island, New York.

The D’Amicos believed in nurturing the creative potential within each individual, viewing the arts as a vital force to revitalize life. Their strong belief in humanity and democracy emphasized the civic role of art education in fostering healthy individuals and societies. Through their work, they created a space where art serves as a tool for personal growth, community engagement, and social change, connecting the transformative power of creativity with the broader goals of empathy and understanding.