Amberella is a renowned street artist based in Philadelphia celebrated for her iconic heart-shaped designs and impactful messages. Her work typically features wheatpaste and vibrant neon heart designs that emerge in public spaces throughout the city and beyond. Amberella’s art is deeply personal and conceptual often exploring themes such as popular culture, body image, social justice, mental health, self-care, and love. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences she aims to evoke strong emotions and foster connections with her viewers.
One of her notable projects involved a partnership with Visit Philadelphia to promote messages of love and sisterhood in both New York City and Philadelphia. This initiative showcased her signature heart messages such as “LET’S ESCAPE,” “PHILLY GOT HEART,” and “PHILLY IS SISTERLY LOVE.”
Amberella’s work has received widespread recognition and she has collaborated with several brands and organizations including Dr. Martens, Lil Uzi Vert, Live Nation, and SEPTA. Her art not only enhances urban spaces but also conveys important social messages and fosters a sense of community.
SEPTA partnered with Amberella to bring her unique artistic touch to our new Zero Emission Fuel Cell Electric bus fleet. This collaboration includes a collection of designs whose messaging shows off our love for the environment as well as the connection to our community and city. The initiative promotes environmental sustainability while showcasing local creativity. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of public transportation but also supports a local artist and spreads positive messages throughout the community.
In addition to graphics on the new vehicles Amberella’s signature heart designs and messages are featured on a range of merchandise available at The SEPTA Store. The collection includes T-shirts, water bottles, and stickers – all showcasing Amberella’s distinctive style! Items can be purchased in-store and online.
SEPTA is striving to transition its diesel-electric hybrid fleet to Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) by 2040. This initiative aims to improve regional air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ZEB program looks to include both battery electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). These buses are currently being evaluated through pilot programs to assess their performance and feasibility. SEPTA has approved the purchase of 10 fuel-cell electric buses to evaluate this technology as part of our zero-emission fleet plans.
The community has had opportunities to see these buses up close at events. Keep an eye out for more events to come this spring where the public can engage with our Sustainability team and tour the new buses.
Have you seen any of the Amberella-designed buses or merchandise around Philadelphia?