Our Story
Founded in 2014 as a social enterprise of The Kennedy Collective, the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative has a rich history of fostering artistic expression and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
Our Story
Founded in 2014 as a social enterprise of The Kennedy Collective, the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative has a rich history of fostering artistic expression and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Over the years, MDAC has evolved into a vibrant space where artists explore their creativity, develop unique styles, and connect with the community.
From Passion to Purpose
More than three decades ago, Maggie Daly met a kindred spirit in Lynn McCrystal, an art therapist at The Kennedy Center (now The Kennedy Collective), where Maggie's son was enrolled in a program. Both were passionate advocates for using art as a means for individuals with disabilities to express themselves. Together with Marty Schwartz, Hilary Michaels, George McGuire, and others, they founded The Kennedy Center’s Art Program, opening doors to participants' talents and leading to the creation of the A Unique Perspective Calendar, which showcased the beauty of their artwork. Over the years, the program expanded to include art, movement, and music.
As the program’s popularity grew, the founders hoped to one day establish a day support program specifically for artists. That wish came true when the Board of The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival selected The Kennedy Center as its 2013 beneficiary to fund an Artist Cooperative. With the Festival’s support and additional contributions from the "Friends of Maggie," the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative, named in honor of Maggie, who had passed away in 2012, was officially launched in May 2014.
Mickey Daly and MDAC's Origins
Meet Mickey Daly—a 'Renaissance Man' who has channeled his family influences into artistic works that showcase the inspiration people with disabilities can be when given the chance to express themselves. Watch his story and discover the Daly family’s lasting impact on MDAC.
The MDAC Arts Model
The MDAC arts model follows The Kennedy Collective model and is made up of two parts: Support Services, including day programs, and activities; and Business Enterprises, which employ people with disabilities who in turn bring tangible value to local organizations. The two parts are completely connected – as proceeds from the Business Enterprises are used to expand the Support Services.
Go Inside the Arts Cooperative
Today, MDAC stands as a testament to the transformative power of both philanthropy and the arts: enriching lives, touching hearts, and creating opportunities for sharing, learning, and growth. Get a glimpse into a day in the life at the MDAC studio with our artists as they create magical work and experience the power of this community.
Remembering Angelina Rea Paul: A Tribute Through The Kennedy Collective's Art Exhibits
The Kennedy Collective’s art exhibits are underwritten in memory of Angelina Rea Paul. Angie had been a gifted artist and fashion designer who studied at New York's Trapenhagen School of Fashion. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants. She used her extraordinary talents to design and produce an array of fashions, including gowns, dresses, christening outfits, costumes, and men's clothing for dignitaries, friends, family, and charitable events. She was a one-person fashion house, handling designing, tailoring, pattern making, fitting, and seam-stressing.
Supporting The Kennedy Collective's art in Angie's memory is particularly appropriate, given her love of painting and teaching others the joy of painting, and above all, because of her enormous capacity to help those in need.
Creative expression has been at the heart of MDAC since our inception. By remaining true to the founding mission, we join together as a collective to do amazing things.