THE PAINTING RAG

    The idea for THE PAINTING RAG came about in the early spring of 2006 after word of another decorative painting shop had closed.  Tracy Meola had begun designing painting patterns again and was not only disappointed to hear that the craft she loved so much was losing popularity but was also met with the dilemma of how to get her designs seen by those that were still interested in painting. 

    It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention and after putting all the facts down on paper it seemed that there needed to be some way to help the businesses that were still open and introduce new artists/designers to the industry.   The thought process took on a life of its own and the concept came together with notes scrawled into a notebook.  With notebook in hand, Tracy met with long time painting friend, Marlena DeFusco and pitched the idea to her over dinner.  In no time at all Marlena took the haphazard notes, organized them and miraculously lying there in the notebook were the bones of a new publication.

The Painting Rag was to begin as a “newsletter”, where information would be gathered about painting, and where artists and businesses would be spotlighted.  But after researching printing costs, it became apparent that it wasn’t going to be an inexpensive endeavor.   But continuing forward all options were researched, and it was decided that the publication would be a newspaper with an accompanying website where good quality photos could be downloaded for the painting project in each issue.   

    Once word of the newspaper got out and requests began to be made from outside the New England distribution area, a subscription form was added, solely for the purpose of packaging and mailing to those that weren’t able to “pick up a copy.”    As the distribution territory increased through subscriptions, the newspaper began to include stories and articles of artists and businesses outside of New England and TPR became national and eventually international!   

    Fulfilling the early vision of the publication to get the word out and support others in the industry; THE PAINTING RAG has led the charge in highlighting shops and businesses involved in decorative painting.  TPR provides a glimpse inside the lives of favorite artists and introduces new and emerging ones and TPR has provided valuable information about market Trends and industry news. 

TPR has exhibited at Decorative Painting Conventions handing out newspapers for FREE and has been given out FREE to many chapters, groups and retreats. 

    TPR initiated, and twice sponsored, a painting outreach effort called Try Painting Day.  In this event the newspaper became a tool for participating businesses and chapters to entice non-painters to join them on one day and simply “try painting.”  No supplies to buy just come and try. 

    However, the industry that THE PAINTING RAG set out to help couldn’t support the ever increasing expenses of publishing and distributing.  The United States national economy collapsed in many areas leaving businesses struggling and individuals either without finances or extremely cautious in spending them.  As a result, during the third year of production and publication, the newspaper struggled to bring additional advertisers on board.  As new advertisers entered the publication, others opted out.  Finally, in late October the assessment was made that once again the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of the newspaper would not create enough revenue to cover its own expenses.  Publisher Tracy Meola was forced to make a heartbreaking decision; the November/December 2009 issue was to be the last printed issue of the newspaper. 

 

    Starting in January 2010, THE PAINTING RAG took on a new life through the website where stories and articles are posted for all to read.  Because Tracy enjoyed the work she had started with TPR, she decided to start an email Club.

    Members of the Club receive a FREE e-packet upon joining and are notified when a new story or article is posted to the TPR website.  In addition, the Club creates some fun and excitement with free monthly give-aways and updates on Tracy’s artwork, and another TRULY entertaining and different idea; a novel  about decorative painting titled "Paint Chips".  

 

  

    Though TPR's website stories and articles are free for everyone to enjoy, the other services and freebies are for Club members only.  They are available on the Club page of Tracy's website, which is accessed by clicking on the tracypaints button to the right.

 

    Club membership is FREE but Readers must request to be added to the Club by clicking on the “Get Email Updates” button located on both the TPR website and Tracy’s website. 

 

    Being an optimist, Tracy is excited about THE PAINTING RAG’S new format and the opportunity to serve faithful Readers in a new way.  Read Tracy's thoughts on the Tracy Writes page, updated weekly.

 

Always Innovative….always Inspiring…….always Creative  THE PAINTING RAG 

Above Photos: The Make It - Take It Tracy is teaching at JB Wood Products Spring Festival March 20, 2010

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