Photo provided by Lt. (Ret.) Karl Rittmann
RING PARTNERS TO HOST ART GALLERY By 1st Lt. Megan Burmeister, Public Affairs Specialist
The Rhode Island National Guard hosted the Lt. Karl Rittmann, “We Are Soldiers Now,” art exhibit on Feb. 25, 2016 to Mar. 4, 2016 at the Benefit Street Arsenal in Providence RI. On Dec. 8, 1941 Karl Rittmann answered the national call to service during his senior year at Rhode Island School of Design. He received his commission in the 857th Engineer Aviation Battalion. He was a white officer in a predominantly black unit. Rittmann continued to produce artwork during his service, sketching the Soldiers of the 857th throughout their tour in the in the Pacific Theater. 16 | Ocean State Guardian / Issue #7
Lt. Rittmann’s forty exhibited sketches provide a historical insight into the daily lives of Soldiers during WWII. Most of Lt. Rittmann’s subjects were black Soldiers. “Thankfully we are no longer a segregated organization but we cannot forget this part of our history. LT Rittmann’s art reminds us of that time,” said Chief Warrant Officer Cheryl Irving, the Officer in Charge of the Exhibit. Over 1,200 Rhode Island high school students from 13 local schools attended the exhibit throughout its run. The many teachers and students remarked how comfortable the subjects of
Rittmann’s art appeared. “He captures the love these Soldiers had for their country despite the inequalities they faced, and brings to light their contributions in changing the face of the organization,” stated Irving. Dave Cannon, a history teacher at Narragansett High School, shared his hope that his students would take multiple things away from the exhibit. “I’m hoping they get something from this, they are really into the artwork, the flag display and the leadership. They seem to understand now a little better about leadership and the importance of documenting daily life.”