We recently connected with Ailene Pasco and have shared our conversation below.

Ailene, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As a public art coordinator for the Clark County Public Arts Office, the most meaningful project I have worked on is the ZAP Utility Box project. The ZAP project began in 2005 to celebrate the City of Las Vegas’ Centennial 100 Murals project. Since then, it has been running annually giving local artists opportunities to display their artwork. It has been well-loved by the community and tourists alike. When I began working for Clark County Public Arts Office in 2021, the ZAP project was put on hold due to Covid. I was tasked with the responsibility of reviving the project. After completing seven and currently working on the next three, I have learned so much through the ZAP project. I have met amazing artists, connected with the community, and worked with notable companies and organizations. Coordinating the ZAP project has given me opportunities to grow and thrive in the art world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a mother of three kids who I have homeschooled since 2014. My kids inspired me to open my small business named after them, Ozzy Olly and Ox, offering design services and creation of custom textile-based works ranging from fine art to merchandise. I started my art journey at the College of Southern Nevada earning two AAs and received a BA in sculpture with a minor in art history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas August of 2019. My work has been shown throughout Clark County, both in formal galleries and as public art installations. I am a passionate advocate for public art and I use my pieces to raise awareness of pressing issues such as conservation of nature, animal and human rights. I am a Public Art Project Coordinator for the Public Arts Office of Clark County Parks & Recreation specializing in community outreach projects such as the ZAP Utility Box program and the Empowerment Art project. I am also a Public Art Educator/Host for the Clark County Public Art Workshop Series called Full Scope. I volunteer hours weekly as a Sculpture Shop Monitor for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Fine Art Department since 2018. I am skilled in fiber art/textile art such as crochet, weaving, and hand sewing/embroidery. I also create sculptures using upcycled materials and is known for my interactive art. I am also versed in the process of black & white film photography. I use my art as therapy for my anxiety and stress. My artistic goal is to create pieces that impact lives and open minds. My professional goal is to help other artists find their place in the art world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My professional goal is to help artists find their place in the art world. As a project coordinator, I aim to create opportunities for our local artists with reasonable requirements, plenty of funding, artistic freedom for the artists, and continuous support throughout the projects. I feel that if I had someone who helped me out when I was first starting out as an artist, I would have been a lot more prepared for my career. I want to be that person who I needed. I want to be that helping hand for those who need it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the artists whom I’ve had the honor of working with flourish and grow in their career. I’ve worked with many amazing entry-level artists who have moved on to bigger and better projects. I am always filled with so much pride and happiness for them when I see them succeed.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: ailenepasco

Image Credits

1st Photo: ZAP 15, Artist Cody K Wombold
2nd Photo: ZAP 11, Artist Cerissa Lopez
3rd Photo: ZAP 13, Artist Kayla Talastas
4th Photo: ZAP 14, Artist Dominique Chavira
5th Photo: ZAP 16/17, Artist Joyce Guerrero
6th Photo: ZAP 16/17, Artist Sam Ganados

Photos credits: Clark County Public Arts Office