#theaustincollective

“When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to grow up and live in the television. I still feel that way. I've been a professional actress and comedian for years. People keep telling me to move to New York or L.A., but I just so happen to be madly in love with my city. I have a habit of living across the street from bus stops. It hasn't been intentionally, but awfully convenient.”

"Ever since I was a little girl, I would get a camera and take pictures of the world around me, which sparked my love for photography." In pursuit of further experience, Michelle joined E4 Youth, an enrichment program that allows students to develop their skills in the creative industry.

“I moved to Austin from London five years ago, so I was used to using public transport all the time. In London, no one talks to each other on public transport, but here it's natural to talk to other people if you know you're going to the same place.”

Lavender LaFleur has been a makeup artist and drag performer in Austin for the past four years. Drag explores ideas about gender through performance, painting, sewing and makeup. “Capital Metro gives us a way to be visibly queer in public, avoid car reliance and move around the city.” These experiences help shape the art Lavender creates.

“I’m a disabled veteran. I’ve been riding the bus for 55 years. I had a car once, but I loaned it to some friends and they never brought it back. So, now I’m a bus rider.”

Greg has been making costumes and wearing them to events since 1989. “Going to children’s hospitals and seeing children escape their situation for a few moments and smile because, ‘It’s Batman!’ … that really makes my day.” He is a member of several costuming groups and makes appearances at community service and charity events throughout Central Texas.

Even though Arielle calls downtown home, she's a nomad. "One of my super guilty pleasures is taking the MetroRail to The Domain to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in design and fashion. There's always something new opening, and it's so easy to skip the traffic and beat the crowds.”

“A few years back I was going through a financial hardship and had to sell my car in order to pay the bills. The situation has changed, and it’s a lot better now. I still haven’t replaced my car, and I won’t for a while. The bus gets me where I need to go. A car is a burden I just don’t need.”