How do we preserve and revisit our memories as we age, even as the body and mind face new limitations? This exhibition offers a compelling response through images created by older adults in long-term care. Using generative artificial intelligence (AI), participants explored new ways to visually reconnect with meaningful moments from their past.
"Transcending Barriers Beyond Time: Visual Reminiscence of Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses Facilitated by Generative AI" will be on display from Aug. 28-Oct. 10.
All are invited to an Opening Reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, in the lobby of Hoover Auditorium. Be among the first to experience the exhibition and its powerful stories.
The exhibit will be open for viewing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m., as well as 30 minutes prior to performances and worship in Hoover Auditorium.
AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and its potential continues to expand across fields. The HARMONEE project (Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Resources for Mental Well-Being for Older Adults and Nurturing Empathy in Education), led by Dr. Janet Reed and colleagues from Kent State University and Ursuline College, explores how this technology can help address social isolation and demoralization in older adults.
Forty individuals from two long-term care facilities participated in this 60-day study, which used a mixed-methods approach to assess the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of the intervention. Using Midjourney, a generative AI tool that creates images from text prompts, participants transformed their personal memories into vivid visual representations. The study found a statistically significant improvement in short-term mood, along with high levels of satisfaction among all participants.
The exhibition features a selection of those images alongside narrative reflections that highlight participants’ most meaningful life moments. All participants consented to be part of the research, including the potential of publication and display of their work. Pseudonyms are used to protect confidentiality.
Together, the images and narratives offer a window into cherished memories and lived experiences. For participants, the process provided a way to transcend the barriers and limitations often associated with aging. For viewers, the exhibition invites deeper appreciation, empathy and respect for lives well lived and the legacies they leave behind.
This exhibition was co-curated by Reed, PhD, RN, CMSRN and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Kent State University, and Rebecca Miller, PhD, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, PMH-C and Program Director and Associate Professor of Counseling and Art Therapy at Ursuline College. Primary financial support was provided by Kent State University, with additional financial support from Ursuline College.
