After a 40-year career in Information Technology that took her around the world, Patricia (Patty) Syverson found herself drawn back to a lifelong passion: art. Inspired by nature and the emotional power of color, she began experimenting with abstract fluid art techniques during retirement, transforming her home office in rural Clinton County into a creative studio. What started as a personal exploration soon gained momentum when friends and family encouraged her to begin selling her work. With doubts about whether there would be a market for her art, she reached out for professional guidance—and found it through the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC).  

Patty first connected with business consultant Tom Keiffer, who helped her take the early steps in establishing PES Artistry on Henry Run LLC. From assistance with registering her business and pricing her artwork to connecting her with legal resources through the Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistant Clinic Tom helped her establish a foundation for launch. Tom also introduced Patty to fellow business consultant Chelsea Blair, whose guidance proved pivotal in securing a $2,000 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) Grant. Together, they developed a business plan focused on increasing Patty’s visibility through regional art festivals. The funding allowed her to purchase essential materials like a tent, display equipment, and marketing collateral—critical tools for a professional artist entering the festival circuit.  

Although Patty had the supplies and technical knowledge to begin creating and showcasing her art, she quickly discovered that reaching the right audience with the right purchasing power was a challenge. She began by displaying her work at local craft shows held in firehalls, but found that her abstract pieces were often priced beyond what those event attendees were prepared to spend. It became clear that she needed access to larger, art-focused festivals where patrons would be more inclined to invest in original artwork. With guidance from the SBDC and support from the CEAP Grant, Patty developed a strategic plan to attend juried festivals with broader audiences—giving her the opportunity to grow as both an artist and entrepreneur.  

With one year officially in business as of July 2025, Patty is in the early stages of sales growth and audience engagement. She maintains a presence on Facebook and Instagram and is developing a website to further expand her reach. The business has already made a meaningful impact on Patty personally. An encounter at a craft show, when a child studied her work and declared one of her paintings “the most beautiful” they had ever seen, instilled a level of confidence she carries into each new piece.  

“The SBDC has been phenomenal—so kind, informative, and supportive,” Patty said. “I never would have gotten to where I am without their help. Tom and Chelsea have been instrumental in every step of this journey.”  

As Patty continues to grow PES Artistry, she hopes to bring joy, reflection, and emotional resonance to others through her nature-inspired work—proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passion, especially with the right guidance.