Preston Metcalf

Executive Director, Triton Museum of Art

Born and raised in Santa Clara, Preston Metcalf is the Executive Director of the Triton Museum of Art. He brings over 35 years of experience with the Triton Museum and has also served as a lecturer of Art History at Mission College in Santa Clara and San Jose City College. Throughout his career, Mr. Metcalf has lectured on art and art history both locally and abroad, has published more than 60 articles and essays, and released his first novel, "Casanova, Curator of Memories," in 2018.

Under his leadership, the Triton Museum has provided fundamental art education and experiences to hundreds of thousands of the region's children, youth, and adults through innovative programs. These include award-winning initiatives such as sculpture classes for the blind, hospital bedside art instruction for chronically and terminally ill children, and art/literary crossover programs like the immensely popular monthly Triton Book Club, which explores how both art and literature continue to shape our views. Mr. Metcalf sees art not as a static form of entertainment, but rather as world-expanding experiences that bring new views, ideas, considerations, and voices into our lives.

Presentation: "The Triton Museum at 60: Why the Arts Remain Vital to our Community"

2025 marks the Triton Museum of Art's 60th anniversary year. For Mr. Metcalf, this milestone is particularly significant as he grew up just three blocks away from the museum, which became an integral part of his childhood, youth, and eventually his career. In his presentation, he will share a brief history of the Triton Museum and discuss how it has contributed to the quality of life in the Santa Clara region for six decades.