ZAPP is a program of the Richard Hugo House and was founded back in 1996. It now boasts about 20,000 zines in the archive, which is one of the largest collections in the world.
Zines are independently produced publications, according to Kate Lebo who is the development associate and volunteer coordinator at the Richard Hugo House. The zines have been rapidly multiplying in the Hugo House for the last 12 years. The increase in archives may have something to do with the positive social aspects of the zine community. Lebo said artists and writers often meet at the Hugo House to create zines and share their work.
"The zine population is very vocal and there are businesses that cater to the zine culture," she said.
Zines can be anything from literary works to art, as long as they're created independently.
"These are publications made by people on their own," said comic book artist, David Lasky. "It's a great way to keep your creativity alive."
Lasky, who is now a published artist, will be appearing at a Saturday, Sept. 13, event to reopen ZAPP. He began his career by creating zines in the early 90s.
"Zines were a huge thing in my life," he said. "At first I thought I couldn't draw comics unless a publisher accepted my work. Then I discovered people were creating their own comic books. I didn't feel like I had to create something that would please an editor or pass a test."
The zine archives at Hugo House were previously housed in the basement level and have moved to the newly renovated second-floor thanks to several volunteers. ZAPP is a nonprofit program that relies on grants and donations, but Lasky said it's the volunteers who should be credited for the program's success. "ZAPP has existed on the work of volunteers," he said.
In the end, the flood, which could have been a disaster for the collection, provided the impetus for making the move.
"Nothing was destroyed but it was a good chance for us to think about moving," said Lebo. "We lucked out and acquired the space upstairs."
Reactions are positive and the move is expected to draw in new visitors.
"We're really excited about the new space," said Lebo. "Before there were two entrances to the basement and main level, but now everyone comes through the same entrance. You get to see everyone and say hello."
The zine archive has been unavailable to the public for the past year due to renovations. The upcoming event should be an exciting way to unveil the works.
Lasky feels the importance of zines lies in the First Amendment.
"All individual voices have a place in the zine community," he said. "It's really just people creating their own media. It has no connection to advertisers, corporations or government. It's pure freedom of speech."
The Richard Hugo House, which is located directly behind Cal Anderson Park at 1634 11th Avenue, has been a home for writers and readers since 1996. The Capitol Hill sanctuary provides resources and support as well as supplies and a community atmosphere conducive for writers and artists.
"It's a good place to meet other artists and get inspired," said Lebo. "There are lots of comics, handmade books and all sorts of things that all these artists have put together. It's totally free to come and use supplies and get inspired."
The "ZAPP is Back" event should be a good way to draw in newcomers to the underground Seattle culture. "There's a great grassroots zine community here in Seattle," Lasky said.
ZAAP may be one of Seattle's best-kept secrets, but Lasky said zines are too important to remain hidden.
The open house is titled "ZAPP is Back" and will feature a tour of the new archive, zine exchange, open showcase tables and an open-mic zine reading, which Lasky is looking forward to.
"From 6-7 [p.m.] there will be a reading of zines that people really like or they might read their own zines. It should be pretty interesting." Zine artists from all around the Seattle area have also been invited to participate in the opening.
"If you care about people communicating the truth and speaking the truth to power, this is a place that safeguards an individual's right to do that," said Lasky
The Zine Archive and Publishing Project (ZAAP) will be holding an open house in its newly renovated second-floor location in the Richard Hugo House Cabaret on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3-7 p.m.
Sasha London is an intern with the Capitol Hill Times. She can be reached at editor@capitolhilltimes.com.
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