The Art League of Rhode Island will present its first exhibition of the new year, New Year/New Works, starting Thursday at Rhode Island College’s Bannister Gallery. The exhibit includes recent works by the art league’s elected artist members. Judith Tolnick Champa, an independent curator and editor-in-chief of Art New England, will serve as the exhibit’s curator. A reception and panel discussion focusing on the role of curators will follow later this month. The exhibit, reception and panel discussion are free and open to the public.