Victor D'Amico was the founding Director of the Education Department at the Museum of Modern Art from 1937 until 1970. While there, he developed inspiring art education programs for people of all ages. He created innovative learning environments for children, parents and children, high school students, and war veterans, as well as creating outreach programs for the community.

His philosophy was based on a fundamental faith in the creative potential in every man, woman, and child. He believed, "that arts are a humanizing force and that their major function is to vitalize living." Victor D'Amico was not only a remarkable artist and teacher, but a visionary and pioneer of modern art education.

In 1955, under Victor D'Amico's direction, the Museum of Modern Art sponsored summer painting classes at Ashawagh Hall in East Hampton. Victor had a greater vision for these classes, some place "more dramatic and reflecting the character of the environment – sky, sea and salt air, either a boat, or resembling one." In addition to teaching technique, his aim was to bring amateurs, children, adults, and artists and teachers together in a stimulating setting in a natural environment.