Beyond the Bus

Steph Joy Hogan, a visual storyteller and a vivid 2D mixed-media artist, illustrates a natural blend of her own imagination and inspiration from other worlds. Even though she always considered herself an artist and studied art at university, it wasn’t until age 40 when she took her work more seriously and became a professional artist.

Hogan brings to life a piece from her Scrapscapes series, inspired by her love of space, science fiction, animals and children’s imaginations. The quirky and whimsy children’s stories fuel her passion to create art that invites curiosity and wonder.

Having previously shown her artwork through the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and their partnership with CATA, she was given the opportunity to feature some of her artwork on the bus.

“Creating connection and sharing joy (it is my middle name after all!) are what drive me to create.  I've been so fortunate in finding opportunities to brighten our community with my work, but even with my over-active imagination I never dreamed I'd see my artwork gliding around town at so large a scale!” Hogan said.

As a Lansing native who grew up riding CATA buses, this collaboration is a dream come true. She hopes her art on wheels inspires the community to widen their imagination and let their sense of wonder lead them to dream.

“My aim is to create connection with artwork that energizes spaces and fuels imaginations. I want the work to spark curiosity in the viewer. Everything moves so fast today. I want them to be left with just a moment of wonder,” Hogan added.

According to Hogan, art has been a comforting and meditative medium that calms her ADHD brain. Through her artistry, she is always on the search for deeper and more meaningful connections.

“I'm a very social person but haven't always found it easy to really connect with people more than superficially. Sharing my artwork at in-person events like art festivals has given me the chance to find real kindred spirits who connect with the stories I'm sharing through my artwork.  I know them immediately when I see them react to my work and it reminds me, I'm not alone!”

Her artwork goes beyond her inner self. She seeks to invite the viewers along for the ride in capturing her unique interpretation of the world as she strives to make sense of it.

“For me, art is not only a means of self-expression, but a way to understand the people and places around me. Art is communication and connection. It's storytelling, our human story, and really the essence of humanity in so many ways,” Hogan said.

Hogan’s creative journey hopes to bring out the quirky, unusual and surprising aspects of life. She envisions her art being a source of inspiration and connection to spark more meaningful and important conversations within the Greater Lansing community.

Escape to an imaginary world by keeping an eye out for Steph Joy Hogan’s out-of-this-world artwork on one of CATA’s buses. The Arts Council of Greater Lansing and CATA’s partnership have helped display Capital City Region’s local art scene through the Art in Motion campaign.  

Related Links: 

• CATA unveils ‘Art in Motion’ initiative in partnership with Arts Council
• Arts Council of Greater Lansing 
  • Art in the Sky Billboard Project 
• Other Art in Motion Stories 
  • Elyse Gambino 
  • Daniel J. Hogan
  • Lucy A. Synk 
  • ​Jennifer Taggart Wilson 

Naung Naung Htoo, a dedicated advocate for rural farmers from Yangon, Myanmar, is making strides in agriculture. His participation in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) has not only expanded his understanding of sustainable practices but also deepened his involvement with organizations like the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

The YSEALI is a fellowship between the U.S. government and Southeast Asia to strengthen leadership development and networking through a variety of programs. “International exchanges are an important part of fostering understanding and cooperation between countries,” said Nate Engle, Director of Community Engagement of the MDARD. “…to host young professionals, facilitate learning about things done in the state and in local communities to make places and quality of life better for citizens while offering educational moments so that a YSEALI fellow can take ideas back to their own country and contribute to further development, at home.”

During his time in Michigan, Htoo collaborated with MDARD on climate action strategies, particularly learning about their Climate Next Steps initiative. “These strategies aim to enhance sustainability and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact, offering ideas that could be adapted to my work in Myanmar,” he explained. This hands-on experience has equipped him with valuable insights into balancing agricultural productivity with environmental protection.

It's not just his work with agriculture that stands out—his experience navigating Lansing using CATA has transformed his daily life. “Using the public bus system allowed me to navigate the city without the need for a personal vehicle,” Htoo shared. He found the organized routes and reliable schedules to be a stress-free way to reach meetings and explore local attractions.

Htoo compared his experiences with public transport back home to those in Lansing. “Lansing’s system feels more user-friendly, with clear signage and well-maintained vehicles,” he said, contrasting it with the less structured and often overcrowded buses in Myanmar. “While public transportation is affordable in Myanmar, it can be less reliable and is still developing in many areas.”

Certain CATA routes, particularly those connecting Michigan State University and downtown Lansing, have proven especially useful for him. The Transit app, which tracks schedules and provides real-time updates, has made his experience even smoother. “This technology made my experience with public transportation easier, especially as someone new to Lansing,” Htoo explained.

Using CATA has not only improved his mobility but also enriched his understanding of the Lansing community. “Traveling alongside local residents helped me gain insight into their daily lives and the vibrant culture of the city,” he said. Through these experiences, Naung has come to appreciate the importance of efficient public transport systems in fostering community engagement and sustainability.

Naung Naung Htoo’s journey highlights the impact of accessible transportation on both personal and professional growth. His experience with CATA and MDARD reflects how public transit can empower individuals to explore new environments, connect with communities, and ultimately contribute to meaningful change.

As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time to explore fun fall activities with your family. CATA’s many services make it easy to get around town and enjoy all that the season has to offer.  Here are five exciting outings in the region you can enjoy and access by CATA:

1. Free rides to select Ingham County Parks

CATA is committed to enhancing access to outdoor spaces for residents. In partnership with the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Department, CATA makes it easier to visit select Ingham County Parks, all featuring trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and sports facilities. 

• Burchfield Park in Delhi Township
• Hawk Island Park in the City of Lansing
• Lake Lansing Park South & North in Meridian Township                                             

These parks are perfect for outdoor recreation, whether you’re hiking the scenic trails, enjoying a picnic, or letting the kids swing on the tire swings. During the fall, these parks transform into breathtaking landscapes. Stroll along scenic routes, surrounded by vibrant reds and yellows, and soak in the stunning views.

Fare-free rides are available on CATA Redi-Ride, Spec-Tran and CATA Rural Service for eligible customers.  All trips are subject to CATA's service hours, ride availability and service area boundaries. For trips on Spec-Tran, ADA certification is required.

Visit www.cata.org/InghamCountyParks for additional details about this program.

2. Go on a River Town Adventure

Are you looking spend more time outdoors? Head to Rotary Park for an unforgettable river adventure!  This is the perfect activity to spend quality time with family and friends. As you paddle down the Grand or Red Cedar River, you’ll get to see Michigan in all its fall beauty.

Take CATA Routes 1, 8, 10 or 13 to easily reach Rotary Park and enjoy a scenic six-minute walk, leaving the stress of parking behind.

Plan your trip with our Trip Planner Tool.

3. Get in the Spartan Spirit                                                                                                                                                        

It’s football season, and that means the excitement is guaranteed to be electric! Attending a Michigan State University football game is always a fun experience, filled with passionate fans, delicious food and exciting atmosphere. Make it a family tradition and share the love for MSU with future generations.

CATA makes it easy to get to the games. Simply hop on Route 1 to reach campus, where you can connect to a route straight to the stadium. Skip the parking hassle and arrive ready to cheer!

Visit our MSU Game Day webpage for details on shuttles and detours.

4. Visit Potter Park Zoo

Fall is an enchanting time to visit Potter Park Zoo, with the cool air and autumn hues, Potter Park Zoo turns into a cozy and relaxing spot that’s great for spending time with friends and family. The animals are up and active in this cooler weather so now is the perfect time to connect with them. Walk through tree-lined paths, connect with nature, and be a part in the special events that Potter Park has to offer.

Route 8 provides a convenient way to travel to the zoo. Don’t miss out on the autumn festivities!

Plan your trip with our Trip Planner Tool.

5. Come to the City for Silver Bells                                                                                                                             

Join the fun at Downtown Lansing’s Silver Bells, a 40 year long tradition. Bring your family to see local businesses, marching bands, and CATA take part in the parade. Don’t miss the chance to see CATA’S “CATApillar” bus light up the road!

 You can get to this event with any route that travels to the CATA Transportation Center, just be mindful of detours. The festivities are also just a short walk from our downtown CATA Transportation Center.

Plan your trip with our Trip Planner Tool.

Get in the fall spirit with these exciting activities! From enjoying the vibrant autumn leaves to cheering on your favorite football team, CATA can get you there. Plan your trip today!

Related Content:

• Top 5 Destinations To Discover By CATA This Fall
• Explore Ingham County Parks for Free
• 7 Things to do in Lansing this Winter