Trish Bransten

Trish Bransten is the Director of Rena Bransten Gallery in San Francisco, where she has worked for over four decades supporting underrepresented and socially engaged artists. With extensive experience in curating exhibitions, producing catalogues, and placing work in major institutions, she has been instrumental in shaping the legacies of artists such as Rupert Garcia, Amalia Mesa-Bains, and Viola Frey. Trish brings a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding artist estates, from documentation and institutional outreach to long-term legacy planning. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to championing artists’ voices and ensuring their enduring presence in the cultural canon.

• Rupert Garcia: Rolling Thunder, 2018
• Rupert Garcia: Architectonics, 2023
• Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archeology of Memory, 2022, (Exhibition travelled)

• San Francisco Art Dealers Association, President, 01/01/10–01/01/15, Established ArtCare to support the restoration of San Francisco’s public art monuments., Expanded the scope and reach of the San Francisco Bay Area’s art galleries by partnering with the tourist board and hotels, museums and small institutions., Held association meetings, expanded membership and created opportunities for professional development.
• San Francisco Arts Education Project (SFAEP), Board Member, 01/01/05–01/01/15, Emeritus (01/01/15–Present), Served for a decade on the board of this leading arts education nonprofit supporting SF public school children., Expanded partnerships with collectors and museums., Co-curated exhibitions with catalogues to highlight the artist/teachers and their students., Created and hosted panel discussions with leading scholars, curators and artists., As an emeritus member, continues to support discussions on arts education and advocacy.