500X Alumnus Interview: Irby Pace 

500X: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your artistic background?

IP: I was born in Odessa, Texas and I attended Texas Tech University where I received my BFA in Photography in 2008 and I completed my MFA from The University of North Texas in 2012 in Denton, Texas. I’ve always been interested in changing how things work or how I could manipulate visual scenes and scenarios to take on a different meaning. 

500X: What years were you a member of 500X? 

IP: I was a member of 500x from the Fall season of 2012 through the summer of 2013.

500X: Who were some of the other members with you? 

IP: Joel Kiser, Diane Durant, Clayton Hurt, Christine Bisetto, Elaine Pawlowicz, Colette Copeland, Bernardo Cantu, L.E. Doughtie, Michael Furrh, Michael Francis, Tim Harding, Shelby David Meier, Bruce Monroe, Jonathan Snow, John Alexander Taylor

500X: Tell us about your time at 500X. What was it like? 

IP: I really loved my time at 500x even though it was short. The experience was insightful, collaborative, and inspiring. Everyone was very thoughtful and helpful. Members wanted to make everyone successful and it showed with their passion for exhibitions and event organization.

500X: Do you have a favorite moment from your membership? 

IP: Besides becoming a member, I think my favorite moment had to be when I sold my first ever piece of art at my first opening.

500X: What do you think you gained from being a 500X member? 

IP: I learned about support. 500x, at its core, has been successful for so long because the people involved are so incredibly supportive of one another.

500X: How has 500X impacted your career as an artist?

IP: 500x launched my art career regionally and nationally. After my first show I was offered a chance to exhibit at Galleri Urbane for a solo exhibition after which I was given gallery representation. 500x gave me the opportunity to showcase my work and it helped make a name for myself.