bannister events

Nancy Gaucher-Thomas is an artist, arts consultant, administrator, and prominent advocate in the urban arts community of Providence. She is the founder of Art League RI and co-founder of Public Arts Works, two artist collaboratives that work to integrate art into public spaces to promote healing and inspiration in healthcare and public sector environments. As former President and a member of the Providence Art Club, Nancy has displayed a passion for this historic Club and its founder since she joined in 2005.

Jennifer Davis-Allison is the Principal of Partners Training & Consulting, a training and consulting services firm that focuses on enhancing the ability of individuals and organizations to tackle issues of growth and change in a highly competitive and diversified marketplace. As one of the founding members of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (RI Chapter), Jennifer has a passion for advocating and promoting the health, education, and empowerment of black women, girls, and communities in Rhode Island.

Elizabeth Richards-Hegnauer is an artist, educator, and leader amongst the greater Rhode Island Arts & Education community. As current Head of School for the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, works with a fierce, dynamic, and optimistic force. As a founding administrator of TAPA, Elizabeth designed, built, and continues to nurture a thriving urban charter school that is recognized for its culture of respect, responsibility, and results.

Keith Stokes is currently serving as the Director of Business and Economic Development for the City of Providence, where he works with community leaders to strategize projects to bring to the city that promote prosperity and cultural celebration. As Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group, Keith is also dedicated to helping persons and institutions of color to increase their knowledge and access to the education of their true American heritage.

Ray Rickman is the co-founder and Executive Director of Stages of Freedom, a nonprofit organization that dedicates its time to providing African American cultural programs to thousands of Rhode Islanders of all races. He is a former State Representative and previously served as Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State, the highest office held by an African American in the state’s history. Among his many successes, Ray introduced a bill to create the position of Rhode Island State Poet Laureate, and to name a bridge at the foot of the Capitol Building in honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also co-chaired the commission to place sculptures of Black philanthropist Christiana Carteux Bannister and White abolitionist Elizabeth Buffum Chace in the RI State House.

The Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation provides grants, scholarships, and micro loans to unique and narrative changing programs that are designed to create success stories for Rhode Island’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. By investing in these communities through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship, POC Foundation dedicates its time to working with BIPOC individuals of all ages to jump-start their success from day one.

Gage Prentiss is a Rhode Island-based fine artist specializing in three dimensional work. With his studio located nearby in Pawtucket,  the City of Providence has commissioned Gage for several projects throughout the area including the sign located at H.P. Lovecraft Memorial Square, the interactive bus stop at North Burial Ground, and the John Carter Brown Library Paper Weight, among others.