Since November 1978, the Edward Mitchell Bannister Gallery at Rhode Island College has been in continuous operation with exhibitions of contemporary art by local, regional, and internationally renowned artists. The gallery presents a program of 6-7 exhibitions per academic year.
Bannister Gallery is free to everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.
Monday–Friday: 12–8 pm, in Roberts Hall, when exhibitions are on view
Please Note: The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible and additional reasonable accommodations can be made with 72 hours notice.
Find out more about how to submit an exhibition proposal.
Bannister Gallery presents a diverse set of art that ranges from traditional media, like painting and sculpture, to more contemporary formats, including photography, graphic design, and digital media. In support of Rhode Island College’s broader educational mission, the gallery’s exhibitions are designed to serve as learning opportunities that engage students and enrich the academic and cultural life of the campus community.
The gallery strives to create an inclusive environment for the public with the aim of building relationships between the arts community of Rhode Island and the larger art world. Exhibitions are selected by the Bannister Gallery Committee, which is made up of the Gallery Director and members of the Art Department Faculty. Each exhibition is on display for three to four weeks and usually includes a public lecture by the artist(s) or other related programs.
The gallery was previously located in the Adams Library and the Art Department before relocating in September 2000 to the Roberts Hall / Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts complex. An adjacent hallway display area was created in 2002 and is used as either an extension of the main exhibition space or for separate shows of works on paper, photos, and small paintings.
Art exhibition on view in Bannister Gallery from February 19 through March 20, 2026. Join us for an opening reception and artist talk on Thursday, February 26, from 4-7 PM in the gallery.
Join us for a reception for the art exhibition Elena Peteva: Material and Immaterial on Thursday, February 26, from 4-7 PM in Bannister Gallery. The artist talk will take place at 5 PM. The exhibition is on view from February 19 through March 20.
Located in Rhode Island College’s Roberts Hall, the Bannister Gallery presents 7 to 8 exhibitions a year by local, regional and international artists.