Our Staff

Aimee Olivo || Executive Director

Aimee Olivo, a true believer in the power of the arts to transform lives, is incredibly proud to serve as Art Works Now’s second executive director. She is a passionate community builder and advocate for equity and social justice.

Prior to joining Art Works Now, Aimee served as the Chief of Staff for Prince George’s County Council Member Dannielle Glaros (D-District 3). Aimee is most proud of her work to promote economic development, support non-profit organizations, improve the environment, and promote community in that role. Previously she spent nearly two decades working as a professional fundraiser.

Aimee has held numerous volunteer leadership roles advocating for educational equity and student success. She was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley to serve on the Board of Trustees for Prince George’s Community College in 2010 and continued in that role through February 2022. She served as a member and chair of the Prince George’s County Commission for Education Excellence under County Executive Rushern Baker.

In 2012, Aimee was recognized by the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund as a member of their inaugural “Prince George’s 40 Under Forty” cohort. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University), in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. On nice days, Aimee bikes to work from her home in Cheverly.

Aimee looks forward to a strong and enduring future for Art Works Now as together we continue to create the world we imagine.

VerNitta Tyson || Chief Operating Officer

With over twenty-five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, VerNitta brings a great deal of expertise to the Art Works Now team. VerNitta has worked in a variety of roles including development, marketing, and administration. She served as Interim Director of The Ellington Fund for Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and in several important roles of leadership at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing and IONA Senior Services in Washington, DC. Her passion for the arts and her command of the skills needed for nonprofit administration are essential to the future success of Art Works Now.

Lisa Kiczales || Senior Director, External Relations

Through her many years of experience in marketing and publishing, Lisa has acquired the necessary insight and perspective to design strategic and creative marketing programs. Her analytical, detail-oriented side (she actually finds designing the perfect Excel spreadsheet compelling) works seamlessly with her imaginative side giving her the ability to bring innovative creative solutions into existence. For as long as she can remember, Lisa has been a creator. Recently her focus has been on collage and photography, often combining the two. She’s excited to be using her skills to deepen the connection between Art Works Now and the community by sharing stories that will inspire more people to create the world they imagine. Lisa cannot think of a better place to merge her professional experiences with her passion for sharing the transformative power of art.

Maddie Olek || Manager, Camps and Special Programs

Maddie Olek is a mixed-media artist and graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park where she studied Studio Art and Creative Placemaking. Maddie is inspired by collaboration and connection. She has created murals that can be found in the city of College Park, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, DC residential buildings, the University of Maryland (LeFrak Hall), and The Hall CP. Her work is vibrant, energetic, large, chaotic, and rhythmic. Maddie has taught mural workshops and classes and brings material knowledge of airbrushing, painting, spray paint, and fabric, and is always exploring more. Maddie has been working with AWN, teaching our mural class and summer camp . She is thrilled to join us full time responsible for summer camps, day camps (SOWI), art parties, Paint, Pints & Pizza, and additional one-time programming throughout the year. 

Jak Lunsford || Clay Studio Manager

Jak Lunsford is a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park where they studied Studio Art and Creative Placemaking. Jak is inspired by exploring different mediums and their longevity, working fluidly across 2D, 3D, and everything in between. Their practice is concept-driven, allowing the idea of each work to guide the choice of materials, which have included paint, vinyl wrap, metals, and clay.

Jak’s murals can be found throughout the DMV, including College Park, Washington, DC, Burtonsville, and Wheaton. In addition to their public art, Jak has taught mural classes, led painting workshops, and taught a wide variety of art classes for students of all ages. They also work as a face painter, muralist, and scenic painting director for theaters across the region. Jak joins Art Works Now as Clay Studio where they will share their expertise and passion for creativity with our community.