For Royersford artist Sue Kline Fleming, the recent revival of her artistic career feels deeply tied to faith.
“All things are possible for those who believe,” Fleming said during an interview at her studio on Tuesday, referencing Mark 9:23 — the Bible verse that inspired the name of her creative arts company, Mission 923 Creative Arts.
On Thursday, May 7, Ivy House at 600 Main Street in Royersford will host a free Wine & Cheese Reception celebrating Fleming’s work as the building’s current Artist in Residence. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and will give visitors an opportunity to meet Fleming, tour her studio, and view her artwork displayed throughout Ivy House.
“It’s kind of like a little gallery tour,” Fleming said. “You can come in and see what I’m working on.”
Creativity Revived
Much of the artwork displayed throughout Ivy House will be available for purchase, with the exception of one special piece that helped bring Fleming to the Royersford space.
Fleming said she moved back to the Royersford area last year after living in the Reading area, where she had been pursuing art following a career working in different fields including event planning and executive administration. After struggling with illness, job loss, and financial hardship, she said she nearly stopped painting altogether.
That changed after she participated in a Royersford Community Art Center pop-up exhibit earlier this year.
According to Fleming, one of her paintings sold within minutes during the event — a piece she almost discarded before deciding to display it. Later, she discovered the buyer was connected to Ivy House, which led her to apply for the residency program housed inside the building.
“I prayed and prayed and prayed for like a week,” Fleming said of applying for the residency. “And then I decided just to send a message.”
Within 20 minutes, she said she received a response welcoming her into the program.
Faith, Poetry, and a New Chapter
Faith continues to shape much of Fleming’s creative life. During the interview, she spoke openly about her relationship with Christianity and how both art and writing have become personal outlets during challenging times.
In addition to painting, Fleming is also a published poetry author who writes under the pen name Jasmine Story. She said she independently published five poetry collections beginning in 2020 after setting a personal goal to publish a book within six months.
“It was like God gave it to me,” Fleming said of the burst of writing inspiration that led to the books.
Her artwork ranges from fluid art and abstract spray paint pieces to newer brushwork inspired by trees, roots, and natural imagery. Fleming described music as one of her biggest artistic influences, saying different genres and moods often shape the direction of a painting while she works.
“If it makes you feel something, I’ve done my job,” she said.
Thursday’s reception is intended to be informal and community-focused. Alongside wine and cheese, Fleming said guests will also have an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative canvas by adding painted handprints during the event. Several works currently in progress are also expected to be unveiled that evening.
Ivy House’s residency program is designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking to develop projects while contributing to the broader Royersford community. Fleming has also recently joined the board of the Royersford Community Art Center, continuing her involvement in the area’s growing arts movement.
For Fleming, the opportunity at Ivy House represents more than simply having a studio space.
“This has been my dream even when I was a little girl,” she said.
The May 7 reception is free to attend, though organizers ask guests to RSVP for headcount purposes.
