Shawnna L. Regan is a Philadelphia-based portrait artist whose work explores human emotion, self-discovery, vulnerability, resilience and culture - creating work that reflects both deeply personal experiences and the shared stories that connect us.
Through SLW Portraits, Shawnna creates commissioned portraits for local, national and international clients, transforming photographs, memories and meaningful moments into lasting works of art. Her portfolio also includes original paintings and a growing collection of fine art prints available for purchase.
Shawnna’s personal work often centers people and experiences that have historically been underrepresented or misrepresented in art and media. Through her portraits, she explores themes of identity, healing, strength, and connection; inviting viewers to recognize both our common humanity and the beauty of our individual stories.
Shawnna’s work has been exhibited and sold throughout Philadelphia and is currently on ongoing display at Ultra Silk Gallery and 4th District Container Village Art Gallery, Curated by Exhibit A Art Design, where selections of her work remain available for viewing and purchase. She also regularly shares and sells her work through community arts festivals, exhibitions and cultural events, including Culture Fest PHL and Philly Black Wine Festival hosted by Kabila Events.
Her past exhibitions include the solo exhibition Scars and the Healing Process: From the Individual to the Collective at the Urban Art Gallery, and SLW Portraits was previously featured in the artisan market at BlackStar Film Festival.
Beyond her studio practice, Shawnna is deeply invested in Philadelphia’s arts and cultural community. She serves as Board Co-Chair of ARTZ Philadelphia, an organization creating opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners to experience and engage with the arts, and as a Board Member of Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company.
Shawnna is also one half of Drawn2Know, a Philadelphia-based creative collaboration bringing artists, musicians, poets and community members together through experiences celebrating visual art, hip-hop, rap, poetry, song and creative expression. Drawn2Know creates spaces for artists to share their work, connect with audiences and build community across Philadelphia’s creative landscape.
Earlier in her career, Shawnna’s work also included children’s book illustration. Her credits include Brown Girl (2018), Brown Boy (2017), Aaron Goes to the Police Station (2016, cover) and My Two Dads (2016).
For upcoming exhibitions, pop-ups, vending events, new artwork, print releases and Drawn2Know experiences, follow @drawn2paint, @slw.portraits and @drawn2know on Instagram or email for the most up-to-date information.