Z.A.A.P. was started in 1994 in a response to a revitalization effort in Zanesville. Former Mayor Marilyn Swope’s attendance at The Mayor’s Institute on City Design: Midwest, held in St Louis in 1993, initiated interest in investigating way in which artistic projects might invigorate the area. In 1994, the decision was made to incorporate as an organization designed for the support of regional arts and involvement in the community.  Z.A.A.P. is a non-profit organization.

Currently, the members of Z.A.A.P. meet on the  4thThursday of every month at the new Z.A.A.P. gallery on 625 Main street.

Meetings begin with announcements of business, events and projects followed by a program and or time for “connections” providing an opportunity to meet other artists, and exchange ideas.  This provides a network and builds an artistic community.

Members come from various social back grounds, however, art is the one common passion that draws all of us together.

Each year members are invited to an all-day retreat followed by an exhibition of the resulting artwork.

Z.A.A.P.’s community involvement began with “painting parties” to decorate the city trashcans. The project had a positive impact on the community, resulting in invitations to become involved in other projects. In 1997 Z.A.A.P. participated in the city’s bicentennial celebration with a year long exhibition of the member’s commissioned painting of historic downtown buildings. Many of these paintings are on display today throughout the city. Several members are very active donating their works to organizations for fundraisers. The group is frequently asked to send members for judging various arts shows and to be involved in projects throughout the area.

Z.A.A.P. membership spans eight Ohio counties and four out-of-state memberships, ranging from college faculty to beginning artists and many art advocates.