Gregg Schlanger Debuts Camaraderie Art in Richland

The Washington State Arts Commission exhibit features soldier portraits on historic maps at the Tri-Cities Readiness Center.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Fine Art

Gregg Schlanger Debuts Camaraderie Art in Richland

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Central Washington University professor Gregg Schlanger has opened his new art exhibit, Camaraderie, at the Tri-Cities Readiness Center in Richland. Commissioned by the Washington State Arts Commission, the collection honors members of the Washington National Guard.

Why it matters

The exhibit serves as a visual bridge between the state's military history and its contemporary service members. By highlighting the faces of local soldiers, the project provides a public space for community reflection and recognition of the 161st Infantry Regiment.

The installation features digital halftone portraits printed on glass panels, which are layered over a Rand McNally map of Washington state dated 1947.

The players

Gregg Schlanger

He is a professor in the Department of Art and Design at Central Washington University who has taught at the institution since 2011.

Washington State Arts Commission

This is a state agency that promotes the arts and provides funding for public art projects and commissions across Washington.

Washington National Guard

This state-based military organization provides support for both domestic emergencies and federal military missions.

The details

The artwork showcases members of the Washington National Guard B Company of the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 81st Brigade. Each piece utilizes the vintage state map to create a layered aesthetic that contrasts historical geography with individual soldier portraits.

The artist began his tenure at Central Washington University in 2011.
The map incorporated into the exhibit was originally created in 1947.
The exhibit was documented as open by October 28, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This project reflects a broader trend of utilizing state-commissioned art to personalize military facilities, operating within the Washington State Arts Commission's Public Art Program. Such installations bridge the gap between institutional architecture and local historical identity through visual storytelling.

Local residents can view the portraits and historical maps by visiting the Tri-Cities Readiness Center. The exhibit provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the stories of the B Company soldiers in a public setting.

The takeaway

This exhibit offers residents a meaningful way to connect with the personal histories of the Washington National Guard. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on how historic state boundaries compare to the modern service identities depicted in the portraits.