May 4, 2026, 4:51 a.m. ET
A new portrait honoring Louvenia Dorsey Bright, the first African American woman to serve in the Vermont Legislature, is set to be unveiled at 4 p.m. May 5 at the Statehouse, according to a community announcement.
Bright represented South Burlington in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1989 to 1994. The unveiling ceremony is expected to include remarks from Gov. Phil Scott, members of the Bright family, artist Ayana Ross, legislative leaders and colleagues, according to the announcement.
The painting will hang in the West Corridor on the first floor of the Statehouse. A reception is planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar Creek Room.
The portrait was commissioned by Bright’s family and friends in collaboration with the Friends of the Vermont Statehouse and the Vermont State Curator’s Office. Georgia-based artist Ayana Ross was selected to create the painting. Ross’ work is known for combining traditional oil painting techniques with figurative realism and decorative design to evoke nostalgia and context, according to the announcement.
The hope is the portrait “prompts new storytelling which seeks to inspire others,” the announcement said.
Thad Gibson, chair of the Statehouse friends group, said diverse representation in state government is important.
“We want to ensure that all Vermonters see themselves represented in our seat of government and feel welcome when they visit Montpelier. To that end, Louvenia Dorsey Bright represents the best of Vermont’s ever-present fight for inclusion, equality and opportunity,” Gibson said.
More information about the project and Bright’s biography can be found at friendsvtstatehouse.org/louvenia-bright. The project was made possible by donations from supporters, according to the announcement.
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