Jentel Artist Residency Announces Appointment of New Residency Manager

The Jentel Artist Residency, founded by artist and philanthropist Neltje nearly 25 years ago and part of her 2021 estate gift to the University of Wyoming, has appointed Mary Leclère as its new residency manager.

Leclère joined Jentel Tuesday, Dec. 2, after her impactful service with the Core Residency Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston -- one of the nation’s leading artist and scholar fellowship programs -- where she supported artists through mentorship, programming, career guidance and stewardship.

In her new role, Leclère will oversee all aspects of Jentel’s day-to-day operations and the resident experience. Her responsibilities will include hosting and supporting the creative needs of each group of six artists, writers and composers every month, as well as ensuring Jentel’s signature atmosphere of care and professionalism is maintained. Additionally, Leclère will support organizational priorities of the Neltje Center that include helping strengthen the role of creatives throughout the state and the role Jentel plays in supporting UW students in the arts.

“Stepping into this role at Jentel is an amazing honor,” Leclère says. “Jentel has a remarkable legacy of giving artists the space -- both literal and imaginative -- to work deeply, experiment boldly and reconnect with their own creative rhythms. I look forward to supporting residents in ways that protect that spirit of trust, generosity and openness while building on the strong foundation that already exists.”

Leclère succeeds Lynn Reeves, who has been with Jentel since its founding in 2001 and is retiring at the end of this month. Throughout nearly 25 years of service, Reeves along with Mary Jane Edwards, Jentel’s founding director who retired in 2023, played a pivotal role in shaping the residency’s identity and ensuring its national reputation as a haven for creative work. Reeves’ leadership has been instrumental in establishing the unique environment, collaborative spirit and resident experience that have come to define Jentel.

“Working with the artists who come through Jentel has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Reeves says. “This is a place where creativity is taken seriously and where the environment itself nurtures the work. Mary brings deep experience, thoughtful insight and a profound respect for artists’ processes. I’m confident she will help Jentel flourish in its next chapter.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mary to the Jentel and Neltje Center team,” says Beth Venn, executive director of the Neltje Center. “Her considerable background in arts nonprofits and residency programs brings invaluable expertise to this moment in Jentel’s evolution. With our rich history and Mary’s fresh ideas and new perspectives, we are poised to build on Jentel’s solid foundation and expand what Jentel can offer to artists for years to come.”

About Jentel Artist Residency

The Jentel Artist Residency (www.jentelarts.org) is in Banner, near the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Jentel provides artists, writers and composers a supportive environment to further their creative development. Through three-week residencies held throughout the year, Jentel offers quiet studio space, comfortable living quarters and a spirit of community that encourages sustained exploration and creative focus. Rooted in the legacy of artist and philanthropist Neltje, Jentel remains committed to fostering creativity, collaboration and the unique spirit of the Wyoming landscape.