Watercolor artist captures Western PA memories
On the Alleghenies Marketplace, Tara Root Illustration offers beautiful prints, some of which feature favorite local places and landmarks. One customer was delighted to find a print of George’s Song Shop, a place where she grew up buying records and cassette tapes with friends. “I bought one and sent it to one of my childhood friends who now lives abroad,” the customer said.
The print is just one of many Western PA destinations featured in Tara Root’s Alleghenies Marketplace shop — from the inclined plane to Shaffer Bridge to Coney Island — that connects her fans with favorite memories.
I’ve always wanted to open up my own online shop, but places like Etsy or creating a website on my own seemed daunting and scary. Alleghenies Marketplace was a no-brainer for me. I definitely recommend it to any small business.
Tara Bagley says that the shop is a natural next step for her business. “I’ve always been an artistic person, but during COVID, I needed to find something to fill my time,” she said. “Watercolor came naturally to me, but as the years have passed, I’ve expanded and practiced in different mediums, including gouache, digital work, pencils, markers, and everything in between! I also now create sketchbooks from old children’s books, which I myself use every day.”
“Having a hobby turn into some level of income has been a challenging and fulfilling adventure!” she said. But fortunately, Startup Alleghenies was there to help as she made the jump. “Everyone is super supportive and gives great feedback. There’s been a few occasions where I need just some general guidance and there’s never been a hesitation to help.”
When she found out about Alleghenies Marketplace, it sounded like the perfect place for her to expand. “I’ve always wanted to open up my own online shop, but places like Etsy or creating a website on my own seemed daunting and scary,” she said. “Having this option was a no-brainer for me. The website is easy to navigate. I definitely recommend it to any small business!”
Part of Bagley’s original artwork is in the form of postcards that are easy to send or frame. In total, there are 13 different businesses and places featured in the collection.
“I also sell 5×7 prints of my artwork,” she said. “A highly popular item is this ghost house. It gives a nice touch to any Halloween decorations or, if you’re like me, is always hung up year-round.”
She said that painting her favorite Alleghenies destinations is just one of her favorite parts of living in the region. “The community and area are changing so much, and it’s amazing to see so many small businesses opening and thriving. This town is full of artistic, aspirational, hardworking people and I’m so honored to be a part of it,” she said. “Seeing others succeed gives me hope as well that I may succeed also. The landscape and scenery is also very beautiful. I’ve been to many places in the US, but when you drive back through PA and see the hills and trees, it’s impossible to not be inspired and in awe of its beauty.”
Shop Tara Root Illustrations here.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
