I recently came across an announcement for a historical art show “In My Spare Moments: The Art of Harold F. Schmitz” at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison, Wisconsin. The artist, Harold Schmitz, was working in advertising when he was drafted into WWII in 1942. He became a map maker with the 955th Topographic Engineer Company for the next three years. After the war he became an art director for Northwestern Publishing House.
Although I find many things relating to war extremely disturbing – particularly the horrors and suffering related to it, I do feel it’s valuable to keep an open mind to what can be gleaned. It is also fitting to give honor to those who sacrificed and served our country.
The show features 40 drawings, photographs, letters and a recorded oral history by Schmitz. The recordings, completed prior to his death in 2013 include Schmitz discussing his art.
“Viewers of this exhibit will witness the fascinating evolution of an artist influenced by an alien but beautiful environment and his work as a wartime Army cartographer,” said Michael Telzrow, Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director.
Without even viewing the show, I can see the importance of sketching, drawing, documenting the world around us. As artists, we are the window to the past, present and future, providing our interpretation of the world and events around us. How fortunate that Schmitz took the time to practice his craft, despite circumstance. When I think of the artist-soldiers who found the drive to create like that, I am inspired to brush away any of my own lame excuses. Documenting our lives through art is great artistic exercise. The art is needed just as much as the photography.
If you are in Wisconsin and would like to visit this show check out the links below: https://www.wisvetsmuseum.com/exhibition/the-art-of-harold-f-schmitz/
https://www.wisvetsmuseum.com/contact/
***
katieturnerartblog 
My wife and I visited this exhibit yesterday. It was very moving. Many of the drawings are quick sketches that provide a window into the very different world that Schmitz was assigned to. The more interesting part of the exhibit were the drawings that he did as his skill as an artist became more well known among his fellow soldiers.
Thanks for your comment, Tim. I’m so glad you were able to visit the exhibit.