Conversation with Service to the Arts Honorees: Barbara and Bruce Berger

Barbara and Bruce Berger

2024 Service To The Arts Honorees

Barbara Berger was born in New York City in 1940 and grew up on the South Shore of Long Island. Barbara married Bruce Berger in June 1960. Bruce was a painter when they married, thus a life together centered around art emerged. Barbara attended the University of Pennsylvania and went on to graduate from Teachers College at Columbia University in 1962. Barbara began her career as the first Corporate Art Consultant in New York City in 1972. She interned for and was mentored by renowned gallerists Leo Castelli and Ivan Karp in the early days of SoHo. They encouraged her to start her consulting firm, Confluence Inc. in 1972, with the goal of bringing together art, architecture, and design. Her area of expertise is emerging contemporary artists; she has built a successful career curating art collections for her clients that continues today.  In 1980, Barbara became a founder and charter member of the International Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA). APAA is the only standard-setting organization for the practice of art advisory to this day.  Barbara joined the Anderson Ranch Board of Trustees for the first time in 1993, she would go on to serve multiple terms and became an Honorary Trustee in 2015.  Over the years she chaired many art auctions and fundraising events, and helped to initiate the Summer Series program at the Ranch. Barbara along with her husband, Bruce, continues to devote her time to many philanthropic projects, most currently, Anderson Ranch, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and the Quality-of-Life Cancer Fund that she and her husband founded in 2007. Bruce Berger was born in New York City in 1937 and grew up on the South Shore of Long Island. Barbara and Bruce Berger married in June 1960. Bruce was a painter when they married, thus a life together centered around art emerged.  In 1961, Bruce received his Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Construction Management, with a Minor in Applied Arts from Columbia University. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 6 years. Bruce started his career in real estate by founding Bruce Berger Realty, in New York City in 1962. In his early career, Bruce was involved in real estate d evelopment pertaining to the ski industry in New England. He then moved his area of focus to New York City, developing both commercial and residential properties. Between 1987 and 1989, Bruce developed Canyon Ranch, a health, and fitness resort in Lenox Massachusetts. In 1989 Bruce moved his business enterprise to Denver Colorado, where he was joined by his son Seth. Together, they became one of the early and prime developers in what is now the Golden Triangle Creative District in Denver. In 1992, Bruce and Barbara made Aspen their primary home.  Having a strong passion for food and cooking since childhood, Bruce was inspired to open BB’s Kitchen in Aspen Colorado in 2010. Having “staged” (interned), in many 5-star restaurants in both the U.S. and abroad, Bruce utilizes his experience and love for cooking to raise funds for local non-profits. Bruce and Barbara Berger have immersed themselves in many philanthropic projects; specifically, the Aspen Music Festival and School, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, The Aspen Institute, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and The Quality-of-Life Cancer Fund that they founded in 2007. Bruce served on the Anderson Ranch Board of Trustees for many years and was the Treasurer from 2008 to 2015. Barbara and Bruce have two children and five grandchildren. Photo: Michele Cardamone, at Michele Cardamone Photography

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Gabriela Palmieri

Gabriela Palmieri is the Founder and Principal of Palmieri Fine Art, Inc., a bespoke full-service art firm based in New York City. Prior to establishing PFA, Inc., in 2016, Ms. Palmieri led a distinguished 17-year career at Sotheby’s, where she rose to Chairman of Contemporary Art, Americas, and was recognized as one of the most respected in the auction industry as a leading specialist in Post-War art.

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