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Navigating New Horizons: Naung Naung Htoo’s Journey with CATA

Monday, November 11, 2024

Categories: Blog, Community

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.Pictured In front of the CATA Transportation Center (left to right) is Chioma Lewis, Margaret Stephens, MDARD's Nate Engle, YSEALI fellow Naung Naung Htoo, Lolo Robison, and Brandie Yates. “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 expMargaret Stevens pose for a photo with Naung Naung Htoo holding up his phone open to the Transit App.eriences 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.

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Art in Motion: Catching a Glimpse of Elyse Gambino

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Categories: Blog, Community

For Elyse Gambino, art is more than just a profession—it's a lifeline. During challenging times, it has been a source of solace.  “It has been the one thing that’s always been with me… it has been a lifeline in that, in my darkest periods like Covid and just kind of the untethered nothingness, I tethered myself to something very specific,” said Gambino.

It's not just about showcasing her talent but also about sparking joy and curiosity in everyday life. She believes that art has the power to transform mundane moments into something special, making public spaces more vibrant and engaging. 

Her inspiration often comes from the Rust Belt, where the blend of old and new elements profoundly influences her creative direction. She finds beauty in unexpected places and incorporates humor into her work, making it relatable and enjoyable for everyone. The pandemic also shifted her focus, leading her to create more colorful and absurd pieces, including vibrant depictions of drag queens.

Trained in drawing and painting, Gambino is moving towards a new medium to bring her ideas to life that is fueled by her desire to explore new creative possibilities and bring art into unconventional spaces. 

“I have been in an exciting transition space of moving toward working in exclusively fiber, but it still feels to me like it’s drawing and painting. So, thread feels like a drawn line, and layers of transparent fabric feels like layers of paint,” said Gambino.

Gambino, finds immense inspiration in connecting with the community through her art. Her artwork is featured on billboards and a CATA bus moving across the region. This unique approach allows her to reach a broader audience, encouraging people to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty around them. 

“I think we are so encouraged to be extremely busy and to be on the go…artwork, even if it’s moving, can encourage people to slow down and to listen and notice…and that’s when we get back to, like, connecting to each other as humans,” said Gambino.

Through her featured piece featured billboards and buses, Gambino continues to inspire and engage the community, proving that art can thrive in the most unexpected places and bring people together in appreciation of the world around them.

Catch one of Elyse Gambino’s bubbly pieces of art on one of CATA’s buses. The Arts Council of Greater Lansing and CATA’s partnership showcases Capital City Region’s local artists through the Art in Motion campaign.

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Art in Motion: Lucy Synk is Keeping it REAL with her Artwork Displayed on CATA's Bus

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Categories: Blog, Community

Drawing inspiration from all sorts of things in the world, Lucy Synk’s artwork can focus on realism or plunge into the world of fantasy. Her passion and commitment to the creative world is part of an extensive and personal journey.

Even though her artistic style has evolved over the years doing a variety of training in different art mediums including portraiture and still life, she has always had a passion for art.   

“I’ve always been drawing and painting my whole life. It was just sort of a given that this is what I was going to be doing, and I just love painting,” Synk said. 

For Synk, creating art is more than a profession; it’s a meditative and spiritual endeavor. The complexity of her pieces helps her navigate her own personal challenges and emotions.   

“It can be therapeutical, especially if I’m playing with mixed media or a still life or a palette knife. And the more complicated pieces do kind of give me a purpose in life. They help me connect to people,” Synk said.  

One of Synk’s most exciting artworks, Farmers Market, is displayed on one of CATA’s Art in Motion buses. Inspired by jigsaw puzzles, this masterpiece is meaningful as it seeks to accurately represent a more diverse America. Shifting the narrative was her priority when creating this work to be more inclusive.

“I really think it’s important to try to image a diverse America in a positive way. There’s a lot of anger going on right now, and rightfully so, but I wanted to sort of picture what is we’re working towards, what it is we’re hoping for,” Synk said. 

Farmers Market

In a world rife with negativity and conflict, Synk’s art serves as a beacon of hope. She hopes to instill a strong sense of joy among the everyday activities that people of different backgrounds share together. 

“Not only rejoice in diversity but rejoice in life. Seek the beauty that’s hiding in plain sight,” Synk said.

With a keen eye for realism, Synk’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity to foster an inclusive community. Through her vivid artwork, she reminds us to envision the beauty in diversity and a better future for our world.

Keep your eyes peeled for Lucy Synk’s beautifully realistic art scene on one of our CATA 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.

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