Edward Mitchell Bannister was a nineteenth-century African-American artist whose paintings focused on the landscapes of rural Rhode Island and the Narragansett Bay shore. One of the founders of the Providence Art Club, Bannister was a leader in the Rhode Island art world.

It has been said of Edward Bannister by his colleagues, "Mr. Bannister possesses genius... and he is daily gaining admirers of his talent and taste... It is indeed commendable in Mr. Bannister, that he has thus far overcome the many obstacles thrown in his way by his color, and made himself an honor to his race".

You can read about Providence Art Club's founder, his inspirations, and legacy more in depth here.