CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), in partnership with the City’s Office of Sustainability, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Sustainable Transit Bus Wrap Art Contest. The city-wide initiative invited local artists to submit original artwork reflecting themes of sustainability, climate action, and the future of clean transit in Charlottesville.
Mayor Juandiego Wade formally announced the winners in a recorded video released today on CAT’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube).
Gisela Swift was selected as the Community Vote Winner for her vibrant and optimistic vision of a greener Charlottesville. Her artwork features clean transit, renewable energy, and green spaces, highlighting the power of sustainable choices in our everyday lives. Gisela’s art can be explored further on her new art-focused Instagram page, @ColoresByG.
Courtney Massie earned recognition as the Panel Vote Winner with a bold, thought-provoking design urging viewers to reflect on the impact of their carbon footprints. Her striking concept stood out to the selection committee for its powerful visual storytelling.
Each winner will receive a $750 award, and their artwork will be installed as full bus wraps on CAT vehicles traveling throughout the city beginning in late August 2025. The wrapped buses will serve as moving reminders of how art and transit can intersect to drive meaningful conversations around sustainability and climate action.
This year’s contest received dozens of submissions from artists of all ages. CAT and the Office of Sustainability thank everyone who submitted their work, voted in the community round, and supported the project. A ribbon-cutting and unveiling event for the finished wraps is planned for late summer, with more details to come.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the Sustainable Transit Art Initiative, visit www.catchthecat.org or contact Alex Pasqualone at pasqualonea@charlottesville.gov.