PhoebeNewYork comes to West Chester

Temporary murals installed on outside wall of G Spot Thrift Boutique

WEST CHESTER » A borough shop owner has lovingly hung inspirational murals at a major gateway.

G Spot Thrift Boutique owner, Gigi Greco, has plastered the wall, located at the intersection of Gay and Matlack streets, at 152 E. Gay St., with a 3 by 6 foot industrial strength foam core likenesses of “Phoebe.”

PhoebeNewYork is the creation of Libby Schoettle, a New York City street artist and former Chester County resident.

Each of four representations of a young stylish Phoebe is posted with an inspirational comment such as, “Fear Nothing,” “Believe in Yourself,” “I’m Extravagant,” and “Be Confident.”

Schoettle has stickered and postered much of New York City with Phoebe’s recycled likeness, which started 15 years ago.

“People really relate to her,” said the artist. “We’re creating positive messages, emotional connections and to stay strong.”

Greco said everybody loves PhoebeNewYork who was transplanted in West Chester.

“They’re just inspirational,” Greco said. “It puts a smile on people’s faces.

“It’s girl power and good for the boys to see, too.”

The murals create a comfortable backdrop at the gateway.

“It brings a sense of creativity to an ugly brick wall,” Greco said. “It brings color and life and art — everything West Chester strives to be.”

The G spot Thrift Boutique features an eclectic mix of goods, including a fencer’s mask.

“What don’t I sell?” Greco said. “I have everything.

“Everything I think is cool I put in the store.”

The murals were only expected to hang at the gateway until Gay Street construction is completed, likely by the end

of August.

Greco said she will lobby the borough to allow the detached murals to remain.

Business Improvement District Executive Director Malcolm Johnstone said the murals are “pretty cool and add some personality.”

Johnstone said Greco will need to show that the art is installed correctly and submit to the borough process, while working with the Public Arts Commission.

Greco said she will meet with borough officials and is prepared to attend all required committee meetings.

For more information on the art, search for Instagram phoebenewyork and look for a docu-series featuring Phoebe sometime next year.

BILL RETTEW JR. – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Get a little inspiration at the new murals at the G Spot on Gay Street. Gigi Greco, right, store owner and Elise Brady, store manager, enjoy the public art.

BILL RETTEW JR. – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA “Phoebe” is stylish and inspirational in new murals at the G Spot in West Chester.

BILL RETTEW JR. – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA G Spot shop owner Gigi Greco, left, and Elise Brady, store manager, enjoy the new murals at the shop on Gay Street.