Hartford, CT (November 19, 2025) – Residents, families, and staff of Serene Gardens, a specialized care neighborhood at Chelsea Place Care Center, gathered on Wednesday, October 22 for a joyful and heartfelt celebration — the unveiling of a new Resident Portrait Exhibit.
The event featured a collection of professional portraits capturing the faces and personalities of Serene Gardens residents, now displayed throughout the unit as part of a living exhibit that will continue to grow over time. The photographs, taken by professional photographer Jen Fiereck and iCare visual media specialist Daron Mitchell earlier in the Fall, transform the neighborhood’s familiar dining room into a gallery of life stories — each image a testament to dignity, connection, and the vibrant spirit of those who call Serene Gardens home.
“For many of us, it’s the photos on our walls that tell our story,” read the event program. “For our residents, this dining room is that kind of place — where they share meals, celebrate birthdays, and spend their mornings in conversation over coffee. So why shouldn’t their faces be the ones smiling back from the walls?”
A Celebration of Art and Community
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Jackie Johnson, Therapeutic Recreation Director for Serene Gardens, who opened the program with words of gratitude and pride.
“Seeing the smiles and excitement on our residents’ faces was so special,” Johnson shared. “They loved being photographed, showing their personality, their joy, and their beauty. This exhibit truly reflects who they are and the life that fills this place.”
Guests were treated to a morning of music and reflection, with residents joining in song as a professional harpist played familiar tunes from across the decades — melodies that stirred memories and filled the space with warmth.
In addition to the portraits, the dining room featured displays of resident-created artwork, highlighting the ongoing art therapy programs that are an integral part of daily life in Serene Gardens. Through painting, crafts, and sensory-based art activities, residents are encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen cognitive and emotional connections.
A Living Exhibit of Life and Love
The portraits will stay on permanent display within the Serene Gardens neighborhood, with new additions to come in the months ahead. Together, they form a living tapestry of the community — a reminder that caring for others also means honoring their individuality, history, and spirit.
Brittany McGhie, Social Services and Program Coordinator, closed the event by thanking all who made the project possible.
“To our residents — thank you for allowing us to share your light,” McGhie said. “And to our staff and families, your love and support make this place what it is. These portraits capture more than faces; they capture the spirit of Serene Gardens — a family filled with warmth, laughter, and heart.”
