Congratualations and Thanks!!

to all Onsen Artists

Art Pick-up is on June 14, 9am to 11am 

The Colorado Gallery cannot store art. If you are unable to pick up

your art, please contact Andy and Julie Cleary 303 523-4428

as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Onsen – Nothing Matters

 the First Ever Exhibit

inspired by the Zen Circle or Enso.

Colorado Gallery of the Arts

Outstanding Art That Takes You Out of the Box!

47 Envisioning Artists from Denver, Boulder, New Mexico, Southern Colorado,

Santa Fe, Los Angeles, New York and Kyoto, Japan

Enjoy our Enso Maker | Enso in Denver |  Be a Part of the Art

Soundtrack by “Ryokan”

Onsen will be open to the public from now to June 12, 2025

(Summer hours are Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 3pm)

For more details contact the Gallery at 303 797-5649.

Colorado Galley of the Arts – 5900 South Santa Fe Drive

Parking Lot B – across from the tennis courts 

Hosted by the ACC Foundation

Ryokan Arts | Orbit Design

 What is an Enso?

The Enso, is known as the Zen Circle of Enlightenment.

The art of Enso began over 300 years ago as a form of Zen practice. Over the years, artists worldwide have embraced the Enso as a universal symbol.

The closed Enso, suggests completeness, the cycles of nature, and  unity.

The open or broken Enso brings forth the significant aesthetic of wabi-sabi – the beauty of imperfection and the frailty of human existence.

Inside the Enso

An important aspect of the Enso is what’s inside. Nothing? Yes nothing; nowhere, emptiness, zero, space, “mu”.  And nothing does matter, hence the Onsen subtitle “Nothing Matters”. Nothing is where creativity begins. Many artists have stated their best works come out of nowhere. Of course, the circle has a defining role; to be a robust boundary that surrounds, synthesizes, and nourishes creative effort. Emptiness is where we go for art.

“We work with the substantial, but the emptiness is what we use.” – The Tao

The emptiness you feel is not a void; it’s a space for growth. – Unknown

Oh that magic feeling…nowhere to go.  –Lennon, McCartney

Contemporary Enso Art

While the practice of Enso continues in the Zen community, the Enso circles are appreciated in broader artistic circles for their aesthetic possibilities and philosophical depth.

The word Zen may conjure up images of serenity and meditation. Onsen is inclusive of both peaceful serenity and the noisy imaginative edge. Onsen invites artists, if they wish, to run wild.

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 Enso Examples

On this page are a variety of Enso (most are not actual submissions). They are just random examples so you can get started.  Be influenced or totally ignore them. Your vision is what’s important. And remember, all media are accepted – painting, found art, sculpture, video, photography et al. Can’t wait to see your Enso. 

FAQ

Note: Entry process is now closed. Thank you for the outstanding works!

Q: What does Onsen mean and who is Ryokan?
A: Onsen is the Japanese word for “hot springs”. Ryokan (1758-1831) was a Zen monk known as a calligrapher, poet and lived his life as a hermit in a small mountain hut. 

Q: You say “get out of the box.” Can I put my Enso on canvas in a frame?
A: Corners are prohibited..…just kidding. Calligraphic Enso is regularly done on flat rice paper and fabric with corners.

Q: During the showings, will potential buyers be able to contact us directly?
A: Yes. They can even pay you directly. Please respect the beautiful ACC Foundation Gallery and donate the 35% commission which they use to help their students.

Q: I understand there will be music. Will it be loud?

A: The music will be original Asian American roots music. It is meant to complement not overwhelm the art.