Edward M. Bannister - Famous Term Paper

This achievement was when Bannister's painting was recognized and awarded in the exhibition. As mentioned earlier, the Bannisters moved to Providence in Rhode Island because of the connections Mrs. Bannister had there. While in Providence, Bannister joined other famous creative individuals in a place where there were various artist's studios. As a result, Bannister started to paint more depictions of landscapes and shores.

His painting, "Under the Oaks," was chosen for the first-prize bronze medal with the judges almost reconsidering the award after discovering that Bannister was African-American. However, the white competitors endorsed the decision and Bannister was rewarded the first-prize bronze medal for his painting. This award was one of the earliest artistic acclaims for Bannister whose reputation grew as a result. Furthermore, this bronze medal for his painting "Under the Oak" enabled Bannister to devote most of his time to painting because of numerous commissions.

Contributions to America:

The era of mass immigration had major impacts to the United States economy. As America experienced the flow of immigrants, these immigrants contributed many things to the country. Some of these immigrants came to the United States to work while others came to the United States to settle permanently. Edward Mitchell Bannister had major contributions to the United States because of his paintings. Though he was African-American, Bannister brought major impacts in the American artistic community. Some of the major contributions of Bannister to America include:

Inspiration of the Artistic Community:

Following his move to Providence and winning the first-prize bronze award at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, Bannister inspired the artistic community of Providence and America as a whole. This was because of his great success which also brought great civic pride to Providence. Bannister continued to accumulate other honors as his career matured including honors from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association. These honors were a great source of inspiration to the Providence artistic community as well as the American artistic community.

Growth of the Arts' School:

The second contribution of Bannister's artistic works to America is the development and growth of the arts industry and arts' schools in general. For instance, due to the inspiration they received from Bannister's success, a small group of famous arts supporters founded and developed the Rhode Island Museum of Art and School of Design. In fact, this arts and design school has remained as a prestigious art school in the United States throughout the years. Furthermore, Bannister and a group of artists licensed the Providence Art Club which included artists and followers of the arts. Bannister participated in the group discussions and reading of academic papers during the club's usual meetings.

Conclusion:

Edward Mitchell Bannister was a prominent painter who never afforded to study in a formal academic setting though he received many honors and praise for his paintings. Bannister however regretted his inability to study art in a formal academic setting throughout his life. In addition to suffering from memory loss later in his life, his activities were restricted due to lack of enough funds. Bannister later died of heart attack in a Church prayer meeting in 1901.

Works Cited:

"Edward Mitchell Bannister." Answers.com: The World's Leading Q&a Site. Answers Corporation. Web. 19 May 2010. .

"EDWARD MITCHELL BANNISTER." Rhode Island College. Rhode Island College, 30 May 2007. Web. 19 May 2010. .

Kim, Sukkoo. "Immigration, Industrial Revolution and Urban Growth in the United States, 1820-1920:." Mcgill.ca. Washington University in St. Louis and NBER, Jan. 2007. Web. 19 May 2010.…