Portraits pop up in Hartford

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A renowned photographer took portraits of dozens of Hartford residents and now they're on display all over the city.

You can't miss the 40x60 foot photo mural right next to I-84, and that's the idea. It's there to entice people to check out the rest of the exhibit located throughout Hartford.

The exhibit is called Portrait of America and the photographer, Joe Standart, has been working on it for three years. All the portraits you see in Hartford are of those who live in the city.

"This is the common man. This is who you see on the street, they're not chosen because they're superstars," Joe explained.

Some of the subjects Joe stumbled upon while walking the street. Others were chosen for the work they do, like Joe Young. Young is pictured with some of the city youth with whom he works. Young's portrait can be found on the front lawn of the Wadsworth Atheneum.

Young hopes those who see the portrait think about the message of the exhibit.

"Bring Hartford together and showcase the diversity of Hartford and the great things that people in Hartford are doing. And you have this renowned photographer doing it and it’s just great to see the images and the good in Hartford," he said.

The city hopes that people who come check out the public exhibit will also stay and have dinner or do some shopping.