DASSIN GALLERY was founded in 1977 by Irving Green and Laurie Green. The Greens have been sole owners and operators continuously since that time. Named for Laurie's uncle, the noted film director and screenwriter, Jules Dassin (Never on Sunday, The Naked City, Night and The City. Mr. Dassin's last great contribution to the world of the arts was spearheading the building of a museum in Athens, Greece to house famous Greek art and artifacts (Jules Dassin passed away March 31,2008, at the age of 96. The museum at the foot of the Acropolis has been completed and will open in September,)

Laurie Green was educated at UCLA, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Art History in 1968. Irving Green was also educated at UCLA as an undergraduate; he went on to Cornell University for a Master's degree in Classics (Greek and Latin languages and literature). While at Cornell, he also studied drawing and painting with artist-professors Peter Kahn, Gillian Pedersen-Krag, and Zevi Bloom.

When the Gallery opened, its emphasis was completely on Nineteenth Century paintings and sculptures, but has since 1980 represented the works of contemporary artists throughout the United States working in the styles of realism and impressionism.