Bannister received national commendation for his work when he won first prize for his large oil Under the Oaks at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial. Even then, the judge wanted to rescind the award after learning his identity until other exhibition artists protested; afterwards, Bannister reflected: "I was and am proud to know that the jury of award did not know anything about me, my antecedents, color or race. There was no sentimental sympathy leading to the award of the medal." Bannister had intentionally submitted his painting with only a signature attached to ensure he would be judged fairly. As his career matured, he received more commissions and accumulated many honors, several from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association (silver medals in 1881 and 1884). Collectors and local notables Isaac Comstock Bates and Joseph Ely were among his patrons.
bannister received national commendation for his work when he won first prize for his large oil under the oaks at the 1876 philadelphia centennial even then the judge wanted to rescind the award after learning his identity until other exhibition artists protested; afterwards bannister reflected "i was and am proud to know that the jury of award did not know anything about me my antecedents color or race there was no sentimental sympathy leading to the award of the medal" bannister had intentionally submitted his painting with only a signature attached to ensure he would be judged fairly as his career matured he received more commissions and accumulated many honors several from the massachusetts charitable mechanics association (silver medals in 1881 and 1884) collectors and local notables isaac comstock bates and joseph ely were among his patrons