In August of 2021 I shared a piece called The Chosen Ones. (CLICK HERE to access.) It was the first I'd heard of an amazing organization called Bullets and Bandaids. The experience was profound ... amazing ... well organized ... far reaching ... and so very, very respectful to everyone involved: veterans, writers, visual artists, and the even the public. In a nutshell, veteran stories are shared in a taped interview. The interview is given to a writer who creates a story to be published in a nice, professional book. The story is shared with a visual artist who responds in artwork. Then, it all goes on tour! This unique approach fosters dialogue as well as support for veterans ... because "we are all in this together". (HERE'S a more in depth explanation of this supportive approach!)
My husband Steve and I attended one of last year's exhibits. We looked at all the artwork. We got a book. The book was filled with amazing stories. The artwork was great. Later, my piece was even sold ... raising funds for veteran support. Yet, we were most impressed by the reach of this unique approach. People who don't have veterans in their families, writers, artists, non-profit cultural organizations and others were connected through words and artwork. This was decidedly NOT the sort of group that simply asked for money, certainly not one of those "give $19 a month" sort of things. Truly ... the feeling heightened the fact that "We are all in this together!" (You can donate even now!)
So this year, I was asked to write one of the stories from one of the taped interviews. It was such a positive experience that I agreed to write three more essays! I wrote about defusing dud bombs from WWII. I ended another essay with "Keep Ukraine in your mind, your heart, and in your actions". I wrote about ayahuasca retreats and the usefulness of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of some forms of PTSD. I even wrote a poem for a female veteran still suffering from the negative aspects of her military experience. These are "teasers". I hope people want to read these essays ... not for me but in the Bullet and Bandaid spirit ... because we are all in this together.
Then, I was asked if I would create a piece in response to another writer's essay. Of course I said YES! To Share Their Honorable Story was the result. The story includes a veteran's visit to the Vietnam Memorial, touching that sacred piece of granite where his mentors names were etched. It was an honor to bring the words, the story, the lives into art. Finally, I was asked to create another work, Picture This. I don't have a better picture. It wasn't an oversight. It was simply my inability to capture a better image due to the fact that behind these blank slide casings is a very reflective mirror. My intention is for viewer to see themselves while reading the service oath collaged on the slides. You'll have to trust me ... it is a powerful experience to imagine yourself making this solemn promise.
The following is the exhibition tour. I'm happy that both these artworks will be in all these shows, especially the show at the Columbia Museum of Art!
Savannah, GA
Savannah Station
601 Cohen St, Savannah, GA 31401
Friday January 20 – Saturday January 21
5pm-9pm both days
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Art League
4100 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213-4600 (walking distance from the Sugar Creek Light Rail station)
Friday January 27 – Saturday January 28
5pm-9pm both days
Asheville, NC
One World Brewing
520 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Friday February 10 – Saturday February 11
5pm-9pm both days
Charleston, SC
SC Society Hall
72 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
February12 - February 13th
5pm-10pm both days
Augusta, GA
Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Wednesday February 22 – Thursday February 23
5pm-9pm both days
Columbia, SC
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Opening March 2nd
5pm-10pm
Juried Exhibit runs from March 2nd-July 9th
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