Famously, he was the first known Black artist to win a prize in the U.S.—for his pastoral landscape Under the Oaks at the Centennial International Exhibition; America’s first World’s Fair, which was held in Philadelphia in 1876. Edward Bannister was a dynamic force, founder of the Providence Art Club and helped to transform Providence into a cultural powerhouse. Edward Mitchell and Christiana Carteaux Bannister created extraordinary institutions of art and culture that endure to this day. Now, an ambitious campaign has begun to create a stunning life-size sculpture of the renowned Edward Mitchell Bannister. Future Town Hall meetings will be announced. If you would like to be notified of the next meeting, please contact Nancy Gaucher-Thomas at ngaucherthomas@cox.net.
PowerPoint presentation include images of paintings by EM Bannister. On left is bust of Bannister by sculptor, Gage Prentiss.
Sculptor, Gage Prentiss speaks about his research on Edward M. Bannister. Maquette, on left, created by Gage Prentiss.
Over 50 people were in attendance for the Town Hall Meeting, held in the Founder’s Room at the Providence Art Club.
URI Professor Emeritus Bob Dilworth speaks on the topic of Bannister.
Certificate of Award at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial
