Painter Edward Bannister was born in New Brunswick, Canada in 1828. He was a founder and active member of The Providence Art Club and his paintings specialized in landscape scenes. Bannister was the first African American to win a national award at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. However when he approached the stage to receive his award, officials rejected is acceptance because of his race. As a result, his competitors and fellow artists upheld the decision and he was then awarded his prize. Bannister’s wife was Christiana Carteux Bannister was a famous hairstylist in Providence with clients all around New England. The couple participated in abolitionist movements and become very influential in the Providence's arts community. His work can be found in the John Hay Library, RISD Museum, and Providence Athenaeum and a bust of his wife is located in the Rhode Island State House. - written by Keila Davis

The Rhode Island School of Design is among the country's oldest and one of the most prestigious colleges specializing in fine arts and design located in Providence, RI. It was founded in 1877 when the 34 members of the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission voted to invest their group’s surplus funding of $1,675 in founding The Rhode Island School of Design. The school was then lead by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf and has consistently remained at the forefront of art and design education.   - written by Keila Davis