FieldWorks: Enrichment Arts Gap Year Program in Ireland

I loved my time here. The faculty - Frank and Rosie and Caitriona (the chef) - were all so kind, helpful, and caring. The farm is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the excursions that we took all over Ireland as part of the program were so fun. We worked in multiple mediums of art; I got to try out film photography, video art, bookmaking, and pen-and-ink-drawing for the first time. We were constantly challenged but I never felt an exceeding amount of pressure. The opportunity to visit galleries and museums, and talk to working artists broadened what I fundamentally thought about art. I think I have really matured as an artist after my time here, and I now understand so much more about the professional world of contemporary art. It's clear that Frank and Rosie, and the rest of the Cow House crew, really put their hearts into designing the curriculum and schedule. I'd definitely recommend this to any high school graduates who like art.

I loved my time here. The faculty - Frank and Rosie and Caitriona (the chef) - were all so kind, helpful, and caring. The farm is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the excursions that we took all over Ireland as part of the program were really eyeopening and exciting. We worked in multiple mediums of art; I got to try out film photography, video art, bookmaking, and pen-and-ink-drawing for the first time. We were constantly challenged but I never felt an exceeding amount of pressure. The opportunity to visit galleries and museums and talk to working artists really broadened what I fundamentally thought about art. I think that I have really matured as an artist after my time here, and I now understand so much more about the professional world of contemporary art. It's clear that Frank and Rosie, and the rest of the Cow House crew, really put their hearts into designing the curriculum and schedule. I'd definitely recommend this to any high school graduates who like art.

It was the perfect gap semester- I made lifelong friends, got to see the best areas of Ireland, and grew so much as an artist! Frank and Rosie were amazing mentors, and I feel like I really improved my skills in photography and learned how to push my creative ideas further. The farm was a beautiful place to live for a few months and I would love to go back again.
The excursions we took to the different areas of the island were well planned, and great fun! We spent time looking at art galleries but also had free time to explore on our own. We traveled to the famous cities like Dublin, Cork and Galway, to the most beautiful rural landscapes like the Aran Islands, and the Dingle area- on bike, bus, and on foot.
Time spent on the farm during the week was relaxing but also focused, All the food was delicious, and in our down time we watched movies and played games.
I would recommend this to any artist looking for a beautiful place to be able to focus on their art and for a super unique Irish travel experience.

After I came home from Cow House Studios I immediately wanted to get back on the plane and return. I learned so much and grew so much as an artist and a person during this program. I cannot recommend it enough!!! Frank and Rosie are super enthusiastic and it’s obvious they care a lot about their students and want to help them get the most out of their time at the studio. I was able to illustrate and assemble a book which has been something I’ve wanted to do for years. Also the food was phenomenal!! I looked forward to lunch and dinner everyday and was never disappointed. The building the students lived in was cozy and inviting. The surrounding landscape was stunning! I loved being able to see and walk to the Blackstairs Mountain so easily! Overall I’m incredibly grateful to have had this experience, and I cannot wait to return to Ireland when I get the chance.

When I was a senior in high school, I felt that I wasn't ready for college. I explored other alternative options, including gap years, this is how I discovered Cow House Studios. I knew that I love art and the idea of traveling to another country to learn and make art pushed me towards applying to this particular program. During my stay at Cow House, in only 3 months I learned a variety of different mediums, techniques and skills that I will use as I continue to make art. Rosie and Frank are amiable, considerate, supportive and amazing artists that I truly admire. They teach art in a way that makes you confident in what you are making and also embrace every creative thought and idea.
I also met some of the most talented, inventive, sincere young artists I've ever met, who I was lucky enough to share such an experience with. Each of us were completely different with styles/mediums of art which made this experience even more unique by learning from one another.
I am extremely lucky to have experienced Irish culture, scenic and historic parts of Ireland, to have visited galleries/exhibits raging from professional to college artists. To have lived on a farm with a studio accessible everyday, any time of day, filled with endless art supplies and teachers who creatively challenge you. I highly recommend this program to artists who want to learn and grow in a unique way.

Let me start this by saying that I had an absolutely lovely time at Cowhouse. As an artist (eh, sounding pretentious), or as someone who makes art (better) , getting to spend three months making work in a beautiful environment without any of the stress of normal is something close to heaven.
I think what makes Cowhouse so special is this stripping effect that happens there; in high school, I struggled to make art because I had so much pulling me away; tests, homework, the college process, maintaining a perhaps mediocre at best social status, family, etc. The list of things that get in the way or distract in normal life are endless, but at Cowhouse, there's almost nothing. Cowhouse gives its students this precious gift of time, space, materials, and opportunity, and so the creative impulse naturally expands and blossoms simply because there's nothing to keep it from doing so. Each person in my group grew tremendously as artists overt this experience, and I will be forever grateful to Rosie and Frank, as well as everyone else who helped make that possible.
On some more mundane notes:
Facilities/ bedrooms and stuff: The studio is in a converted farm and is beautiful and spacious. Ideal for making art. Bedrooms are in quaint and comfortable, but if you are a light sleeper be sure to bring headphones or earplugs or something as the walls are very thin. The farm itself is beautiful and fun to explore. There are also lots of animals running around which is nice, except George, the peacock. I wasn't a fan of him.
Food: I could go on about the food there forever. It's incredible, and I miss it so much. Cooked daily by Cowhouse's master chef Caiitrioneiereer (pronounced Katrina) Folly, and sometimes Frank (whose frittatas are, well, fine), Cowhouse cuisine centers on fresh ingredients and includes meals from around the world. I'm talking sushi, I'm talking dumplings, I'm talking burritos, and alu ghobi and lamb vindaloo, and burgers, oh dear god, the burgers, and more traditional Irish food as well like delicious breads and soups, and the occasional bangers and mash. They are very very accommodating of all dietary restrictions, even pho-gluten-free-folk and vegetarians who eat fried chicken will find acceptance there.
The trips are a fun break from work and the farm, and it is nice to get around and see some of Ireland's nicest spots. I strongly recommend spending several afternoons in the pubs and tossing back a couple brews. I sure did.
Spending three months in close quarters with 7 other people can be difficult. Inevitably there will be arguments and feathers will be ruffled, but this area is probably one of the best spots for personal growth as you will be forced to manage personal relationships and keep everyone happy. This was also one of the most rewarding aspects of this program as well as I made some life long friends during my time there.
Anyway, I can't recommend Cowhouse enough; go there if you get the chance.

The three months I spent on this wonderful farm where absolutely magical. For me it was the perfect balance between productivity and play. The teachers where absolutely spectacular and I feel so lucky to have met them. Going in I didn’t really know what to expect; a little farm in someplace called Wexford where people make art? However I’m so glad I made the decision to go on this adventure. Cowhouse is a very well equipped studio with amazing housing and a forest! I spent my days making artwork, walking through streams and playing with dogs/cats/peacocks/llamas/ducks etc. At first I was scared of living with only 7 other kids but honestly it’s not that big of a deal. I made some life long friends and art work that I am deeply proud of (I’m already excited to go back !!). I highly recommend this program and promise you will make some cherished memories.

When I first heard of Cow House I wasn't sure whether spending 3 months abroad at an Art program was the right choice for me, I had never been abroad alone and wasn't sure whether I would be able to keep up with other art students. But now I genuinely think going to Cow House for the Gap Year Program was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Cow House has amazing facilities; equipment for film, photography, and sound recording, an onsite darkroom, a lot of studio space, oil and acrylic paint, and more: basically everything you could want. Cow House is also surrounded by so much greenery, with a huge forest, a beautiful field with a large pond and lots of animals! (The dogs and cats are a highlight.)

The housing is pretty awesome, with comfortable rooms and several common areas where you can watch films, play pool and just chill with the other students! It's pretty nice to get to know everybody and being surrounded by other artists is pretty inspiring. The food at Cow House is also really amazing, there's a variety of cuisines being cooked and it's always super healthy. We also got to visit Dublin, Galway, and Cork among other places, seeing art in these cities is always super exciting but I think the best part is getting to hang out with everybody, visit pubs and explore!

More than anything else, Frank and Rosie are what make Cow House a really amazing place, they are super encouraging, always around to chat about art or about how our stay is going, and are really amazing teachers. I learned a lot from them; not just about art, but about life as well.

Being able to spend 3 months focusing on creativity and exploration of art has really changed me as a person and I'm honestly looking forward to returning to Cow House for another session in the coming years!