CAMBRIDGE — Rob Fox, Bryan Rogers and friends have 100 days to finish painting portraits of 100 people from across the city.

The amateur artists started “The Many Faces of Cambridge” last month as a way to encourage painters like them showcase their skills, while giving average citizens a chance to be immortalized on canvas.

“I want to paint people who are part of this town — different people,” said Fox, a retired teacher-librarian.

The project started five years ago with an innocent conversation about art, as Rogers and Fox ran beside each other on treadmills at the Chaplin YMCA on Hespeler Road. Rogers, a tool and die maker, mused about his creative side and longtime amateur Fox encouraged him to take up painting.

Last fall, the duo started talking art again and decided to put their skills on public display. They collaborated on a portrait of the mythical Greek monster Medusa, as passersby in the Y foyer watched them work.

Then Fox talked about Medusa with the owners of Marvel Beauty School downtown, while getting a haircut. Talk turned to hanging the Medusa painting — with her tresses snakes instead of hair — in a hair cutting business.

“I thought that’s crazy. I should have some paintings of people from Cambridge with interesting hair,” he said.

“I just like people and I like people to be seen who don’t get a lot of attention.”

So early this year, Fox and Rogers founded the “The New Group of 7” to take on the century challenge. Their artist sons joined the group — David Fox and Martyn Rogers — along with Doug Meany, Phil Mauro, Adam Hawco, Judy Doud and Reg Mani.

Fox knows that’s more than seven, but he’s not counting: “I’ve just always like the Group of Seven.”

They’re looking for more artists to pitch in, along with more volunteer subjects. Email Fox at: theoldfoxx@rogers.com

“Bryan and I think that in some way art makes you smart,” Fox said. “We want to develop the people of Cambridge, because everybody has talent.”

Jody D’Arcy was happy to be featured in a painting with her toddler, Jack. When it’s done, they’ll be pictured playing on a beach.

“His project and the artwork is inspiring,” D’Arcy said of Fox.

So far, 20 portraits are done or in progress. They’re put on display around the city as they’re completed.

The subjects are welcome to write the biographical notes that hang with the photos around town, so they also get publicity.

“I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” Fox said.

Look for them at Marvel Beauty School and The Recovery Room on Ainslie Street; the mayor’s office at City Hall on Dickson Street; Grand Valley Rocks on Avenue Road; and the rest along Hespeler Road at the Chaplin Family YMCA, Island Ink Jet in Cambridge Centre, The Mufflerman, Suds car wash and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Completed works are also on-line at http://theoldfoxx.deviantart.com/gallery/

kswayze@cambridgereporter.com