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Why is Hernando’s Hide-A-Way taking a stand against AI art? It comes down to soul.

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 08, 2026 4:00 AM CT | Published: June 08, 2026 4:00 AM CT

When generative artificial intelligence was first introduced to the public, Celine Lee, co-owner and operator of Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, was intrigued.

It provided a free and fast way to create promotional art for the historic music venue a mile away from Graceland.


Hernando’s Hide-A-Way in Whitehaven goes international


“I was even falling victim to it at first,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is so easy, let me just plug this in.’”

But when she saw the poster AI created, she was unimpressed. There was just something about it that seemed … off.

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art Music Artificial Intelligence Hernando's Hide-A-Way Subscriber Only

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John Klyce

John Klyce

John Klyce is an enterprise reporter with The Daily Memphian who writes a wide range of in-depth features, as well as profiles about local leaders, scientists, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone else doing exciting and important work in this city. He previously spent four years with the Memphis Business Journal, where he covered public companies, startups, and innovation, and a fifth year with The Commercial Appeal, where he covered education, and chronicled how gun violence and poverty were affecting Memphis youth and their families. He has also been a fellow with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. John has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University.


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