GILBERT STUART, Saunderstown, R.I.
Dubbed the Father of American Portraiture, Gilbert Stuart earned the title for his realistic paintings of many of our Founding Fathers (and Mothers), including George Washington, John Jay, James Monroe, and John and Abigail Adams. The portrait Stuart did of Washington in 1796 (known as the Athenaeum Head) first appeared on the $1 bill in 1869; it's still there today. The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum has some 20 reproductions of his paintings and also features an artist-in-residence program. 815 Gilbert Stuart Rd., 401/294-3001, gilbertstuartmuseum.com, $6.