Edward Mitchell Bannister, 1826-1901, born in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, arrived in Boston in 1850, after a successful career at sea. His early artistic talent was equaled by his keen work ethic, a winning combination. Neither the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, nor the paucity of educational resources for a Black man hindered Bannister from realizing his dream of becoming one of America's finest painters. His paintings are often in the news, and are found in major museums as well as the White House.

In Boston, Bannister met his wife, Christiana Babcock Carteaux, who owned successful hair salons under the name Madame Carteaux. Together, they lived and worked with Lewis and Harriet Hayden, William Lloyd Garrison, Dr. John deGrasse, and Frederick Douglass, amongst other Abolitionist leaders. After the war, the Bannisters moved to Christiana's home state of Rhode Island. Their careers flourished. Edward was a co-founder of the Providence Art Club, winning acclaim, awards, and commissions. Christiana's successful salons backed all their endeavors, including founding a retirement home for women of color. They were as devoted to the community in Providence as they had been to the abolition of slavery.

Edward M. Bannister: An American Artist, is a documentary feature film, combining field research and archival material, original paintings, sketches, re-created scenes, still photos, and exterior footage of their neighborhoods today. The story is narrated by Edward Bannister's greatest believer, his wife, Christiana Carteaux Bannister. The film has been accepted into the Fiscal Sponsorship Program of the International Documentary Association. This allows the filmmakers to seek grants and tax deductible donations that are available only in association with a nonprofit organization.