“The art experience is not a passive response that lies on the surface, but a deep emotional and physical reaction to a stimulating environment.” – Victor D’Amico
The Art Barge launches its 2026 Summer Program on June 1. Rooted in the legacy of artist-educators Mabel and Victor D’Amico, the founding Director of the Department of Education at The Museum of Modern Art in 1960, The Art Barge continues to be a place where creativity is fueled by nature, community, and hands-on exploration.
Whether stepping into the studio for the first time or returning to a long-loved practice, students of all levels will find inspiration, challenge, and connection in the 2026 season.
This year’s program blends returning courses like Watercolor, Collage, Drawing, Pastel, Studio Process and the Children’s Art Studio, with exciting new offerings, including Sand Casting, Mobiles & Stabiles, Felting, Experimental Weaving, and Mixed Media Mosaics. The painting studio will be active with Landscape Painting, Portraiture, and Barge Open Studio for experienced students to work independently. Located on the edge of Napeague Harbor in Amagansett, The Barge offers workshops and programs for artists of all ages and skill levels, Monday-Friday from June through September, and weekend workshops in July and August.
The 2026 Season introduces classes geared specifically for beginners: Monthly sessions of Creative Painting, along with introductions to Encaustic, Assemblage, and Weaving. This ensures that beginners can confidently find their footing, while experienced artists move into more advanced work in next level classes.
This season, The Art Barge welcomes 35 different new and returning instructors. Bill Nagle, David Joel, Jennifer Cross, Perry Burns and Sue Ferguson Gussow teach Studio Painting. Andy Stenerson teaches surface techniques in Glass Fusing, and Lorraine Pepper brings a new focus with Dimensional Stained Glass. Kerry Sharkey-Miller introduces a new Felting course, and Michele Mott will guide our Young Adult artists (15-18yrs), to mention a few.
For full class listings and registration, visit www.damico-art.org
About The Art Barge: In 1955, through the auspices of the Department of Education at The Museum of Modern Art, Victor D’Amico instituted summer classes on the East End. He used Ashawagh Hall in Springs as home base, but Victor had greater aspirations. “Some place more dramatic and reflecting the character of the environment – sky, sea and salt air, either a boat or resembling one.” The vision materialized in 1960 in the form of a Navy barge towed from Jersey City and beached on the shore of Napeague Harbor on land owned by Mabel.
The original barge structure was remodeled to accommodate studio and workshop space. An upper deck was added in 1963 to provide additional studio space and a library/lounge area. It became known familiarly as The Art Barge. The Art Barge has hosted classes since the 1960’s, based on the progressive teaching philosophy and methodology advanced by Mabel and Victor D’Amico. The sensitive, individualized approach of the instructors, the breathtaking natural surroundings and the school’s unique architecture, serve to inspire, motivate, and ultimately draw out each students’ creative potential.