Professor Emeritus of Art Steve Zapton was born in Dearborn, Michigan. He received his undergraduate degree in art from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree from the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York. He was a professor of art at James Madison University for 33 years until his retirement in 2004. He established photography as a serious art major in the School of Art, Design and Art History.

Zapton received numerous awards and honors from many institutions, including a professional fellowship award from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. His creations have been acquired by private individuals and institutions, both abroad and in the United States, including the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Va.

A founding member of Port Republic Preservations in Rockingham County, Zapton donated more than 160 items to the organization’s museum. He served as photographer for the Singers Glen historical publication, as well as for Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum, for which he documented the 19th century American farm before it was moved to its current location at the museum. He married Masako Miyata, also professor emeritus of art and art history. Steve Zapton passed away in 2022.