The Enso Circle is a unique, invitational art residency, a dedicated three-month time period in which you will join a community of loike-minded creators for a specific self-chosen goal that is unique to you. The Enso Circle was created by Lyn Belisle and Michelle Belto after five years of planning. Engaging and acclaimed from its very first term, The Enso Circle is opening its eighth term for new Residents in January of 2024. We welcome the new Residents!
"This is the kind of focused experience that we would want for ourselves."
~Michelle and Lyn
Please read what our Residents say about their Enso experiences.
Pressing ‘send’ on my application to the Enso Circle residency was a defining moment for my creativity and my life. In that moment I made a declaration to claim the role of ‘artist’, which seemed bold, daring, and auspicious.
I was welcomed as a resident and by a friendly and encouraging group of artists with much to share from experience to resources to techniques. It was, and is, what I needed to move forward as an artist creating spirit dolls. I am grateful to this circle of support led by two gracious mentors, Lyn and Michelle. Ann Leach, Joplin, MO |
I had always felt like something was missing from my life as an artist. When I joined the ENSO circle in 2021, I quickly found the thing I’d been missing all these years: a creative community. This term has been a productive one for me artistically. With the support and structure of our group, I was able to get some goals done that I’ve been trying for years to accomplish, as well as trying a new medium and stepping outside my comfort zone. The support of this group has helped me to build my confidence greatly, not only as an artist but as a person.
Sarah Treanor, Akron, OH |
Joining the Enso circle from afar was initially a daunting challenge as I doubted myself as to whether I could keep up. I had nothing to fear but fear itself, it has been the best experience of belonging to a group I have ever had.
This group has something magic sprinkled in it. I suspect that is coming from Michelle and Lyn who encourage and support our efforts. We are all different artists using many different mediums which in itself makes for a wonderful community and much experience between us. The willingness to share ideas and resources has been a bonus of belonging as well. We have easily fallen into being a tribe and we always welcome new members as this is the very nature of the Enso circle Marian Cone, Timaru, New Zealand |
The second term during Summer of 2021 is when I tentatively joined the Enso Circle and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. The welcoming community and support from like-minded creatives and our dear teachers, makes me feel more connected even though we are scattered all over the world. My confidence has grown and I’ve had so many aha moments with the generous sharing from the tribe. And best of all, the gentle guidance through each term has helped me achieve goals and dreams I hadn’t thought possible. I’m excited for what 2024 will bring for us all.
Vanessa Martin-Langone, Toluca Lake, CA |
To join our mailing list and to be informed of Enso Circle updates, Enso insights and freebies, and information on the opening of the Enso Circle Application Window for January 1, 2024, click here.
The Residency Concept
- A residency is a dedicated time period in which you join a community of creators for a specific goal that is unique to you. The residency provides support that you need to do your work. Knowing that there are other resident artists adds accountability. Since the residency is time based, it has a beginning and end with a concrete visible outcome, usually an artwork or body of work.
- The Enso Circle is a virtual residency that has many of the same components of a more traditional residency. You will be asked to be committed to a three-month period of time during which you will work on a specific goal for your art that you will share with the Enso community. During the three months there will be opportunities to share your work in process, troubleshoot stuck points, get positive and supportive feedback, and meet one on one with Lyn or Michelle.
- The residency culminates in a shared exhibition catalogue.
|
More from our Artists-in-Residence about The Enso Circle:
This experience has been more than I expected or could have asked for. When I came to Enso I was very, VERY, timid and insecure about my work … still wondering if it really is called “art” or “craft”. I found my art voice in this experience. Through the process I learned to stay true to myself with confidence … and that is where my best work comes from. Thank you to my resident co-hearts … your perspectives, honesty, humor and craft are cherished. Lyn & Michelle …. what hasn’t been already said to which I say AMEN! The plethora of resources, lesson and individual words of encouragement have made me a better, more confident artist. Sandi "Enso lets me truly see the individual style, prep and steps along the way with each artist and their projects and to see successes and failures and the opportunities in the those too. There certainly is no one way as there is no one person...all are unique as is their art! Thank you for the privilege of being part of this amazing experience! ~ Katherine I’m so honored to be part of this group of talented and generous artists! It feels like home - I feel nurtured and safe! I definitely want to continue in the Enso Circle for the next term! ~ Harleen Everyone is supportive and encouraging. The Enso Circle is an experience every artist would find great benefit from - no matter where you are on the creative journey. I really appreciate Lyn and Michelle’s experienced teaching and guidance. ~ Brita I was looking for a supportive, accessible space to take a major step forward in my creative work. The Enso Circle cohort has freely and abundantly offered inspiration, affirmation, tools and techniques, accountability to my commitment, and sisters in celebrating our voices ~ Heather |