Welcome to

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

Create your own Enso in our immersive art-making space.

Soundtrack by “Ryokan”

Onsen will be open to the public from May 20, 2025 – June 12, 2025

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

Artist and Media Reception May 22, 2025  5:00 – Public 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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

Colorado Galley of the Arts – 5900 South Santa Fe Drive

Parking Lot B – Look for the Onsen circular sign. 

Hosted by the ACC Foundation

Ryokan Arts | Orbit Design

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May 17 – Artwork Installation Day (Note: 10am SHARP*)

May 20 – Onsen –  Nothing Matters is open to the public

May 22 – Artist and Media Open Reception   5:00pm  Public 6:00pm – 8:00pm

June 14 – Closing  Session – Pickup by artist or purchasers.  9:00am – 10:00am

* Attn; Artists. If you cannot make the Installation Day deadline, you can

            make a drop at the Gallery between May 13-16. Questions? Call

            Andy Cleary 303 523-4140  ac@orbit-design.com. You will receive  

            detailed instructions via e-mail. Thank you. 

 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: I am out of state. Can I ship my art work to you? If it does not sell, can you ship it back to me.
A: Yes. But let’s communicate to make sure we are present to receive your art. Shipping both ways must be at your expense including insurance.

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 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: Will there be an opening reception? Will artists be able to attend.
A: There will be an Opening Reception on May 22nd at 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Admission is free. There will be a Closing Session.  Of course artists are invited to both.

Q: I understand there will be music. Will it be loud?
A: The music will be original Asian American roots music. It will not overwhelm the art.