Zygote Press was founded in 1995 by four artist-printmakers: Joe Sroka; Liz Maugans (Managing Director); Bellamy Printz (Board President); and Kelly Novak. The founders were responding to a need for a working fine art print facility in Cleveland. Zygote is a collective, providing studio space, equipment, and technical assistance to artists living and working in the area. Those interested in becoming resident are considered based on ability to work independently in a print shop facility and are accepted based on space availability. Adjacent to the printing area is a workshop gallery, which is available for exhibition by both resident artists and artist-members. The organization received its 501 (c) 3 status in Spring 2001.