History
The Z.A.A.P. Gallery is located on 625 Main Street in downtown Zanesville. It is situated among antique stores and other various businesses. Every month there is a new art show of the Z.A.A.P. membership, where visitors can view and even purchase some of the fine art works on display. Artistically, Zanesville has a lot to offer in a myriad of mediums, from watercolors and sketches to sculptures, photography, music and everything in between.
ZAAP was organized in 1994 in 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 ways 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.
ZAAP’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 ZAAP participated in the city’s Bicentennial Celebration with a yearlong exhibition of the member’s commissioned paintings of historic downtown buildings. Members are very active in donating their works to organizations for fundraisers. The group is frequently asked to send members for judging various art shows and to be involved in projects throughout the area.
Over the past years, ZAAP has grown ten fold. Their community-oriented philosophy and displayed strength in organization has made them one of the most active and most successful art organizations in the region. The membership spans eight Ohio counties and numerous out-of-state memberships, ranging from college faculty to beginning artists and arts advocates.
