In a world where genuine human connection can feel increasingly rare, one local artist has found a way to bridge the gap among friends, neighbors and even strangers through the simple yet profound act of painting each other's portraits. 

Shannon Cronin's "Reciprocal Portrait Projects," opening Wednesday, Sept. 25, and running through Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Mt. Airy Art Garage in West Mt. Airy, offers a unique lens into the power of truly seeing another person. This extraordinary exhibit showcases 65 pairs of portraits, many created by non-painters – and is unlike any art show you've likely encountered before.

Cronin, a painter and textile artist based in East Falls, conceived the idea in February 2023, a time when the Covid pandemic had forced social isolation. She began to imagine ways that her journey as a professional artist could help overcome social disconnection and alienation to forge stronger bonds with the people around her. 

And what she discovered is that by taking the time to look carefully, and intently, at another person's face, you see the beauty in it. 

“The more you look, the more you see,” she said. “One man said, 'I'm seeing what a human face looks like for the first time.' When I look carefully at someone, I do start to fall a little in love with them. I really do.”

Cronin started by organizing small social gatherings with friends and neighbors, at which she set up art supplies, an easel and a table. The first group of 12 was small, but diverse – ranging from those who hadn't held a brush since grade school to some who were literally in grade school. The youngest participant was just 9 years old, while the oldest was 60.

Initially, she tried having pairs of people paint one another simultaneously, but quickly realized this approach didn't work – as the two painters were not actually able to make eye contact. 

“I found out that two people painting portraits of each other was a surprisingly intimate experience that required each person to take the time to look closely at the other person's face," she said. 

She learned a few other things, too. 

Notably, about 95% of people would remain quiet while they were painting their subject, while only about 75 percent of the subjects themselves did. "Some extroverts have a really hard time being quiet for a while," she said, adding that the project holds particular value for introverts. 

And while she did complete one portrait pair via Zoom with a participant in England, "a lot is lost in the interpersonal connection when you do it through phones or screens,” she said. “I'm trying to get away from that."

Amir Lyles, a Chestnut Hill resident who works at a local art supply store and agreed to be Cronin’s painting partner, is one of the 65 paired painters featured in the show.

“It was nerve-wracking. I get nervous when someone sees me paint,” he said. “It was intimidating but not scary. I never posed for anyone before, and watercolor is not my medium, but it was actually a great experience."

Blythe Davenport, a participant from West Chester, agreed. “It feels a little uncomfortable at first, but after a while it's fine."

Cronin, whose work focusing on portraits of Gilded Age criminals is currently featured in a group exhibit at the Da Vinci Art Alliance in Center City, is passionate about the numerous benefits of this innovative project and continues seeking new participants, especially those who have never held a paintbrush. She has already prepared 15 more pairs of portraits for a future exhibit at MAAG and plans to continue recruiting.

"It feels like a bonding experience," she explained. "Trust grows. This is a break from normal life, almost a form of therapy. It is very calming to sit there with a paintbrush."

The portraits were created in various settings – people's homes, cafes, studios, and at MAAG – using blue and black watercolors. All 65 pairs will be displayed together in one room at MAAG. 

While the exhibit is a showcase of the actual paintings, Cronin said, the project's true essence lies beyond the canvas. "The project is not really about the paintings per se but about interpersonal connection through the tool of creating reciprocal portraits," she said. 

"Painting someone's portrait — and being painted — is like a friendship accelerator," Cronin explained. "That shared experience of creativity and vulnerability is magical. I made a lot of new friends through this."

On Saturday, Sept. 28, MAAG will celebrate the friendship aspect of the project by hosting a special dinner event from 5 to 8 p.m. in its "community room," which accommodates 30 people. Attendees will spend an hour painting before enjoying dinner together. "You can calm your nerves with a cocktail," Cronin said with a smile.

For more information about the exhibit, visit mtairyartgarage.org. To take part in the project, visit shannoncroninart.com. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.