I got this heart-thumping bit of news from Mural Arts, which is capitalizing on the Steve Powers’ Love Letter murals for Valentine’s Day, and being a sap, I had to share. The thumper is that SEPTA, that’s right, SEPTA, is sponsoring a contest entitled Did You Find Love on SEPTA? Riders can submit their love stories of how SEPTA trains, buses or trolleys led them to love. Submissions go to shoyos@septa.org from now to Feb. 1, 2010.
The prize is a Love Letter murals tie in–tickets for two to ride the Love Train. (I can hear the song by the O’Jays–produced by Philly’s own Gamble and Huff–in my head). The decked-out Love Train will ride the West Philly El tracks on Valentine’s Day (a Sunday this year), giving a 5 m.p.h. tour of Love Letter, with commentary provided by “a special guest,” as yet unnamed. A champagne and hors d’oeuvres private reception will follow at SEPTA’s grand mezzanine. If you don’t win the Did You Find Love prize, you can buy tickets for two for $75, or if you’re flying solo, it’s $40. Reservations are required. Purchase tickets at 215.685.0754. The train will depart from LOVE Park. I’m not kidding.
An exhibit of work by Powers–sketches and found objects associated with the Love Letters project as well as some other work by him– will open Friday, the 12th, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., reception free and open to the public. The exhibit, from Feb. 12 to 28, will be at 1226 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
