ZAAP
Zanesville Appalachian Arts Project
Mission Statement
The mission of the Zanesville Appalachian Arts Project (Z.A.A.P.) is to unite artist/craft-persons and connect them to the community. Z.A.A.P. is a non-profit organization of artists and arts advocates interested in cultivating and supporting the artists and arts of Southeastern Ohio by offering the opportunity to meet, network, exhibit and participate in the aesthetic development of their neighborhoods.
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.
Meetings
Currently, the members of ZAAP meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Gallery located at 625 Main Street, Zanesville. Exceptions to this are November and December, the meetings are held the third Thursdays to avoid conflicts with the holidays. The evening begins with a short business meeting, updating members on events and projects. After the program, a social time called “connections” provides an opportunity to meet other artist, exchange ideas, network and build an artistic community. On occasion speakers are invited to the meetings.
Membership
Annual membership fees are due in February. We currently offer four types of memberships:
Paid Membership offers:
Website
Our website is www.zaapart.org and you’ll find all the latest information there. Currently David Yocum donates his time to photograph the monthly submissions for display on the website. The site also features photos of past shows, First Friday Art Walk, En Plein Air Events, newsletters, events, and featured artists. It is our hope to add more artists’ bios with samples of your work. If you have a photo of yourself and your work, this can be supplied to our “webmaster” and he’ll do his best to get this uploaded.
Art Submissions
Each Z.A.A.P. member is encouraged to submit up to 2 pieces of art that follow the monthly theme. Normal drop off for monthly submissions are held at the regular Z.A.A.P. monthly meeting. This can vary according to when the first Friday Art Walk falls. Every member submitting work is asked to complete two release forms. The form will ask for your signature releasing the organization from any liabilities, as well as you will need to provide the name of your piece, your asking price (or you can mark it as not for sale), and the medium you used. One form will be taped onto your piece and one will be used to prepare the tags that will be placed on the wall beside your submission. We ask that you print legibly so that those preparing the tags can read your writing.
Each member is asked to prepare a biography sheet that can be placed in the notebook that is on display at the gallery. This is also used when preparing news releases for featured artists and for the website. If you have business cards, you can place a few on the shelves inside the front door at the gallery.
To allow for continued interest and the support of the local community we need to keep the gallery open for visitors. To enable us to do this we have made it a requirement that if you submit any piece at the gallery you are asked to donate your time to gallery sit. Members volunteering their time on the following weekdays operate the gallery: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. You can split time with another member and volunteer for a two-hour shift or you can sit for the entire four hours. If you cannot gallery sit; you are asked to pay $15.00 to allow the organization to pay someone to gallery sit.
Featured Artists
Each month a featured artist will have their work showcased at the gallery. Their display will be displayed in one of the front windows and along the west wall of the gallery. Featured artists will be responsible for hosting the First Friday Art Walk for their month, providing snacks and drinks for the reception.
Commission
If an artist has one of their “monthly themed” pieces sell they receive full asking price. If you submit jewelry, cards, posters, pottery, stained glass, or any items other than art, Z.A.A.P. will receive a 10% commission on any sales.
First Friday Art Walk
ZAAP, as a member of the Downtown Artist Colony participates in the monthly First Friday Art Walk. Studios and galleries are open from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. allowing the community a chance to see the new monthly exhibit. For those of us who aren't able to get around easily, Zandex Corp. provides their Fun Bus as a shuttle service that goes by each studio and gallery approximately every 20 minutes. The First Friday Art Walk is a great time to showcase your work for family and friends to see.
En Plein Air with ZAAP Artists
"En Plein Air" is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. On occasion the members will be invited to share in a ”paint out” at the home of a member or patron or will meet at a public area. This is a great time for fellowship and an opportunity to capture some wonderful inspiration.
Committees
If you are able to help the organization with any of the following committees we would be grateful:
Monthly Themes
The membership receives a list of themes for upcoming months. Your submission for that month should incorporate that theme. Monthly themes are announced at meetings, in your newsletter and on the website.
Board of Directors
Gallery Sitting Obligations
A member of the board will instruct you on where to find the keys, lights, how to operate the heat/air, etc. prior to you volunteering your time.