Bannister Community Art Project
The Bannister Community Art Project, a collaboration with community leaders and organizations in Rhode Island was initiated to commemorate the life and legacy of the Black artist, Edward Mitchell Bannister, a founding member of the Providence Art Club (PAC). This endeavor has become a catalyst for many programs and activities that speak to who this artist was and the significant contributions that he and his wife, Christiana Carteaux Bannister, made during their lifetimes. The project, under the auspices of PAC is creating a life-sized sculpture of the artist, sitting on a public bench by Market Square, looking out at the Providence River, sketching in his sketchbook. The sculpture, created by artist Gage Prentiss, will offer an opportunity for pedestrians to sit, pose for pictures, and whet their curiosity about this person. Passersby will access information on a plaque with a QR code and enjoy the wonder and whimsy of imagining who this person from the past was, how his life and art relates to our time, and how he might inspire our journey.
“Sitting on a bench at Market Square, looking out at the Providence River, sketching in his sketchbook, I will capture a moment Edward Bannister repeated countless times in his life. The sculpture and plaque will create an encounter with him where people can sit and pose for pictures, whet their curiosity about his art, and enjoy the wonder and whimsy of imagining who this person was from the past. I want to help elevate him in Providence and beyond.”
— Gage Prentiss, Sculptor of the Bannister Sculpture
A Special Thank You for Your Support
If you would like to learn more about how you can support the Bannister Community Art Project, please contact
Nancy Gaucher-Thomas at ngaucher-thomas@cox.net.
