Neighbor News
RI Guard Host Art Exhibit
Featuring drawings and sketches by Lt. Karl R. Rittmann Open to the public on Feb 24, from 1pm to 6pm Feb 25, from 11am to 8pm
At the Benefit Street Arsenal, 176 Benefit St., Providence RI.
Lt. Rittmann’s 40 exhibited sketches provide a historical insight into the daily lives of Rhode Island Soldiers during WWII.
On December 8th, 1941 Karl Rittmann answered the call to service in 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 time in the military, sketching the Soldiers of the 857th during work and at play while they were stationed in the Pacific Theater.
