A once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a piece of Rhode Island History.

In our current exhibition, Bannister & Friends, Edward Mitchell Bannister’s network of friendships and creative associations in the late 19th-century Providence arts community takes center stage. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view works from the collection of Dr. Nicholas Bruno—a longtime collector and enthusiast of Bannister’s work—alongside pieces from the Providence Art Club, which was co-founded by Bannister. Featured artists include Sydney Burleigh, Eleanor Wardwell Talbot Smith, Charles Walter Stetson, and George William Whitaker, the “Dean of Rhode Island Artists.”

In support of the exhibition and the educational work at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum, Dr. Bruno has generously donated an original still life oil painting, signed and dated by George William Whitaker, to be offered via raffle. Proceeds will directly support the publication of the Bannister & Friends exhibition catalogue and the museum’s many educational endeavors.

The raffle will run until the closing reception of the Bannister & Friends exhibition, which will be held on October 24, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum.

This raffle is authorized and operated under R.I.G.L. § 11-19-41, and the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum is a private, IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit.  Raffle tickets cannot be sold on-line; please visit the museum at 815 Gilbert Stuart Road to purchase tickets, or contact the museum to find out more.