Beyond the Bus

Jennifer Taggart Wilson’s journey to being a fiber artist shows that it is never too late to rediscover old passions. After a 25-year career as a forensic scientist, to becoming a celebrated fiber artist, Jennifer has captivated the community with her large-scale yarn portraits. Her work, now displayed on a CATA bus and billboards, shows her dedication and unique artistic approach.

Taggart Wilson’s artistic evolution began with a passion for creativity, which she had set aside for a career in forensic science. “I’ve always been an artist, ever since I was very young, but I kind of put it on the back burner for a while. I had a different career, but I always come back to it.” After retiring from working at the state police a little over a year ago, she decided to rekindle her artistic flame.

She started with pet portraits and discovered a desire to focus on creating amazing depictions. “That’s what I am drawn to do, is to try to create a likeness and a face out of, now yarn, which is kind of challenging.”

To make these pieces, Taggart Wilson has mastered the punch-needle technique. This is a method that involves using yarn to create intricate designs on stretched cloth and has become her signature artistic style. Her creative process is meticulous and inspiring. It starts with a sketch of her ideas, then moves to building frames to support her pieces.

Taggart Wilson believes art “is meant to inspire people, but also to enrich our lives. I personally just love surrounding myself with artwork that makes me happy, that inspires me to do more.” She has a deep gratitude for the opportunities provides by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and CATA, which have allowed her and other artists to share their work in a unique way with the broader community.

Taggart Wilson’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact that art can have on both the creator and the community. Her journey from forensic science to a fiber artist is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and make a meaningful difference through creativity.

Check out Jennifer Taggart Wilson’s fantasy world 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. 

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 
  • Steph Joy Hogan
  • Lucy Synk

Cartoons can be entertaining for all ages, especially when they can bring a smile to one’s face. Daniel J. Hogan, a local Lansing cartoonist, adds a whimsy and amusing touch to his artwork to instill a sense of positivity within the community.

Hogan’s love for reading comics began in his childhood and now as an adult, he gets to proudly call himself a cartoonist. With a background in film and animation, it was at age 30 that he decided to create his own comics to incorporate some joy into his life, not only for him, but for others.

“I enjoy having fun and being silly with it because the world is too serious, especially right now, and it’s a good escape to kind of forget about some of the not-so-great things that are going on,” Hogan said.  

Out of a coloring book that he created, his best-selling print was born ­­­­­­­­­— a pile of cats inside a box that says, “Free Cats.” First displayed on a billboard for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, he was also given the opportunity to display his masterpiece on one of CATA’s buses for the “Art in Motion” campaign. This was part of a partnership with the Arts Council to showcase local artists’ work and expose more people to the arts.  

“I think it’s a great idea. It just helps add a little more life to the buses, makes them stand out a little more and makes them a little more interesting,” Hogan said.  

Hogan’s creative process is, in a good way, unpredictable. His artistry is free flowing; he gets a piece of paper and pen, and just starts doodling. Before creating a piece of art, he generally has no preconceived plan, but lets his imagination run wild by simply starting ­­­­— an idea he lives by.

Hogan hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to put their work out there and keep the creative medium alive.

“You just got to keep trying new stuff and that applies to more than just art, that applies to life in just general. Keep that brain sharp and just keep doing things,” Hogan said. 

With a creative eye and a sense of humor, Hogan hopes to provide the Greater Lansing community with an escape into a whimsical and playful world. These cartoons can be a source of comfort and bring a smile to many.

Keep an eye out for Daniel J. Hogan’s whimsy and entertaining cartoon 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 
  • Steph Joy Hogan
  • Lucy A. Synk 
  • ​Jennifer Taggart Wilson 

CATA is excited to announce the return of limited curb-to-curb service on select holidays in 2024, building on the success of last year’s pilot program.

This service allows passengers to reserve rides for Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Advance reservations are required and same-day bookings are not permitted. The service is available to the general public within the Spec-Tran service boundaries.

For additional details, service hours and reservation deadlines, visit cata.org/Holidays.

Related Stories:

• CATA provides limited Independence Day service
• CATA to provide limited Easter Sunday service 

This content has been published in the 2024 Community Report.