Bullets and Bandaids is a nonprofit organization that works with veterans through interviews, collaborative storytelling, and artwork. Veterans are paired with civilian writers and artists to create a unique combination of oral history, story, and art that is crafted into a traveling exhibit and accompanying book. Between May 2024 and February 2025, they will present a series of community dialogue events at venues around the state. SC Humanities supported this program series with a Major Grant.
The first “Bullet Points” conversation program will take place on Sunday, May 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Soul Haus Gallery in Columbia. The free event will feature artist Laura Garner-Hine, a two-time Bullets and Bandaids participant, and Executive Director Robert LeHeup. Learn more about Laura Garner-Hine: https://www.artbylaura.net/. The goal of the “Bullet Points” series is to make veteran’s stories and the humanities more accessible to the average South Carolinian.
Other events include:
Sunday, September 8 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Rank and File
Light refreshments and conversation with past participants Corey Norell (veteran), Kristine Hartvigsen (writer), and Steve White, who created a collaborative work based on Corey’s story
Location: Soul Haus Gallery, 1223 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC
Free and open to the public
Sunday, September 22 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
A Silence Worse than Deafening
Light refreshments and conversation with past participants Hazel Goldman (Royal Navy storyteller), Robert LeHeup (writer), and La Ruchala Murphy, who created a collaborative work based on Hazel’s story.
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC
Free and open to the public
Sunday, October 13 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (WILL BE RESCHEDULED)
Battle Betty
Light refreshments and conversation with past participants DeAndria Hardy (veteran/storyteller), Robert LeHeup (writer), and Ida Mae Irby (artist), who created an original collaboration based on Deandria’s story.
Location: RRichland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC
Free and open to the public
Sunday, October 27 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Transcend
Light refreshments and conversation with past participants Frederick Marx (storyteller), Robert LeHeup (writer), and Barb Cherry (artist), who created a collaborative work based on Frederick’s story
Location: Soul Haus Gallery, 1223 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC
Free and open to the public
Bullets and Bandaids’ mission is deeply rooted in honoring the unique journeys of veterans and fostering connection between communities. They believe that every veteran’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and humanity. Through a collaborative platform, they bring together talented writers and artists to translate these narratives into captivating works of art. Learn more about Bullets and Bandaids: https://bulletsandbandaids.org/.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.