New York City has never been for the faint of heart. Almost a year into the pandemic, the city has slowly returned to its grittier past as restaurants shutter and store windows go dark. With Broadway on a hiatus for a few more months, it would be easy to write the city off as an uninhabitable urban jungle. Many have left, escaping for warmer climates or more peaceful rural settings. Those of us who stay are finding joy in the little gems that are still here, ready to be discovered if only you try just a little bit harder. Enter @phoebenewyork, a smart, fierce, funny and kind girl that will capture your heart. Let her be your witty guide around this city of ours.

CAN YOU FIND HER? WHO IS SHE?

“Something good is worth finding.” I didn’t write that. Phoebe did. It was one the first stickers I noticed walking around in Soho a few years ago. Subtly but decisively claiming her spot on a busy street corner, Phoebe was a cute collage character with piercing eyes that pull you in and a clear voice that speaks her mind. As I always do when I find something intriguing, I snapped a picture and made a mental note to find out more about this instantly recognizable little figure.

I didn’t get around to it, but a couple weeks later I noticed the feisty character on a lamp post, this time in Chelsea. And another, different one a few blocks away. Just as witty, just as cute. Now I was hooked. A veritable treasure hunt in New York City! Can I find another? How many are there? Who creates them? What will the next one say? Phoebe and I made an acquaintance and now it was up to me to stay connected.

And so I did. Whenever my meetings or walks took me downtown, I kept my eyes peeled: Is this a promising street corner? That bus stop looks like a perfect location! She who searches shall find. I started meeting more Phoebes everywhere and discovered that my new friend stays on top of what’s happening around us and has a clear point of view, one that she’s not shy to voice. She knows she’s worth it and will do her best to encourage you to feel that way, too. She’s real, too. There are days when she’s “too much” and she owns it.

PHOEBE’S ‘MOM’

The more I saw Phoebe, the more curious I became about the artist behind the character. Clearly, this is someone very creative who has a great sense of humor and humanity. I’ve connected with “Phoebe” on instagram and quickly realized that there is a nice person behind her.

Having now met in person, I can confirm it is absolutely true. Libby, Phoebe’s creator, is a warm, nice, gentle and fun human. Originally from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Libby now lives and creates her collages in a West Village studio using found objects, including vintage photographs, magazine pages, old books, record covers - objects that have lived an “imperfect life.”

A committed New Yorker, she came up with the idea of Phoebe while honing her photography skills in Paris. Yes, you read that right. This quintessential New York character was born in Paris! As Libby told me she first started experimenting with layered collage character then. At first, Phoebe was a much more simplified figure, usually shown in profile. But that wasn’t enough for our girl and so Libby evolved her and now Phoebe engages you with a direct glance, an active pose, dark and witty observations and, at times, raw emotions. Just like her “Mom.” And New York City is richer for it.

Check them out on Phoebe’s instagram or Libby’s own art site. You will be glad you did. We all need a little Phoebe in our lives.