The Scenes of Rhode Island Exhibition and Awards was established as a partnership between the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, for the purpose of promoting the artistic talent and aesthetic beauty which abounds throughout the State.

The 2008 Best in Show award went to artist Deane S. Lawrence's watercolor Waterfire, 2007. Natalie Pfanstiehl's Beavertail received second place and Marietta Cleasby's Island Home School received the third place prize.