FieldWorks: Enrichment Arts Gap Year Program in Ireland

I spent three weeks in the summer when I was 13, six years later I attended the gap year programme, and it changed the trajectory of my studies. Rosie and Frank are wonderful, empathetic, and caring hosts. The whole family creates an ecosystem supported by passion. Not only do they accommodate everyones needs, but they also really care about each student to have a beneficial experience, that contributes to their wellbeing and artistic development. The stay, food, art, and people facilitate the ideal atmosphere to learn and be creative. There is nothing one needs to worry about besides the thought of having to leave again.

Not only does the gap year programme immerse you into your own creativity, but you learn about Irish culture, get to meet amazing established artists, and you will see the most beautiful places. We travelled to Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Galway, Kilkenny, and the Aran Islands. During those trips we would meet the most wonderful people and it wouldn't be even always art related. What they all had in common was the passion and care they were putting into their daily life. This was one of the most formative aspects of the experience: learning how people managed a life driven by passion, care, and communal support.

I am very grateful for the CowHouse family for letting me into their life, be part of a beautiful community, and gently stirring me onto my artistic path.

After 3 incredible months, I can say that intentionality and thoughtfulness are at every corner and inch of this program - the space it's in, the nature I became a part of, the way we 12 students and then friends all shared rooms, lived and ate together routinely, starting our everyday filling our sketchbooks in the absence of our phones, enrichening trips all over Ireland and the emphasis on Irish culture and history.

After a busy summer back home, having the dedicated time and space to create art while being with the most different of personalities, artists and teachers helped me slow down, be introspective and be present in a way I hadn’t before (and I’ve been trying to embrace even after leaving).

Not only did I get the space to explore different mediums for the first time, having never worked with oils, collage or in the darkroom before which I absolutely adored, but I also discovered through our video making workshops my connection to Film and Video and that those are what I want to more seriously explore and pursue in the future. But what I think I most treasure within my art practice, is that Cow House through the workshops, feedback sessions, critiques and care of Frank, Rosie and Róisín and my other dear 11 is that I discovered what made my art distinctly mine: honesty.

Even though this is an art program, I came to Cow House as someone interested in the arts as well as history and the social sciences, something I have also chosen to continuously pursue. I think I really got the space to weave in all my interests and the things I care about, and felt encouraged by my teachers to explore both. Art doesn’t exist apart from the world, and I think the holistic approach of Cowhouse, for example, addressing environmental issues, nature conservation and how this intersects with the arts, makes this program so distinctly powerful and eye-opening.

I'm so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I was given and carry it with me as I move through life, now as a college student.

The three months I spent at Cow House were absolutely unforgettable!! I had always known I wanted to take a gap year after finishing high school, and when I found out about Cow House Studios I had a hard time believing it was real. The community there is unlike any other, and one I have missed dearly ever since returning home! Getting to spend every day making art with people so dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable was a dream come true! It was beyond inspiring and I learned so so much from everyone there! I know going abroad can be a big step and at times an overwhelming and nerve-racking prospect, but if you are worried, don't be! Everyone is so open and welcoming and you will feel right at home in no time. It was the longest I had ever been away from home, and the first time I had traveled internationally by myself, but my worries evaporated as soon as I got there. Cow House really is one big family and you can feel it! I was only able to attend because of the scholarships they offer so if you are in that same boat don't be afraid apply! I know it sounds overwhelming and like a lot of work, but it is absolutely worth it. It is truly and one of a kind experience! I made so many life long friends and memories that I will never forget, and I cannot express how lucky I feel to be a part of the Cow House family :)

Honestly, I don’t think there is another program like Cowhouse Studios. The art program is detailed and extensive, and it feels like learning everything you would in an entire year at an art school, all while being in one of the most beautiful and magical places in the world, and having dedicated time and space to work. It’s such a special place full of dedicated people who will make your experience there unforgettable. If you’re scared, or if you’ve never done anything like it before, no need to worry! Frank and Rosie are very accommodating and very helpful, I’m a pretty anxious person but not once did I ever feel like I had anything to worry about! And if you’re worried about costs, apply for the scholarships, I know it seems stressful or unattainable, but it isn’t! Nothing is impossible, and this program is worth the effort it takes. I personally wouldn’t have been able to attend if it weren’t for the scholarships, but I really felt like I was wanted there. Getting to go on such an amazing program with the help of any of Cowhouse Studio’s generous scholarships is an opportunity no one should pass up at the very least trying on!

I learned so much, had the most fun I’ve ever had, and did so many things I had never done, I made friends I will never forget, and created memories I will miss! I don’t think there is another art program like this one, it’s truly a special place, and if you’re thinking about it, do it! Because, In my opinion, the hardest part about this program is leaving.

I feel so infinitely lucky to have Participated in two programs with Cow House Studios. Every single person involved in Cow House has such generosity, and a clear and refreshing view of what it is to make art, to be an artist. It's such a gift to be in this family's many generational home, and watch it change and grow. It was so amazing to have this time and space with one major prerogative: exploring what art can be to you, and devoting time and energy towards making! It's a program that attracts loving and like-minded individuals.

My time at the Cow House gap year program has been crucial for my development as an artist. Spending three months there exposed me to new mediums, artists, and tools, alongside 12 incredibly creative peers, who have now become good friends. Frank and Rosie were excellent instructors and motivators, and I know all students will appreciate their company and hospitality. The farm was situated in a beautiful location, ideal for exploration and running. I found a great deal of inspiration during my walks through the local landscape. Caitriona's food was exceptional, particularly the peanut rayu – a truly delicious sauce! Thanks to this program, I feel more confident about pursuing a career in the arts. As I explore colleges, I’m on the lookout for experiences that can match the value I found at Cow House.

~ Lyman

Spending three months at Cowhouse studios was one of the most important periods of my young life thus far. I was able to gain so much confidence within my photographic practice which opened up a new world to me upon returning home. Frank, Rosie, Róisín, and Caitriona (and all of the other artists who come to lead workshops) are such kind people who have so much wisdom to share. Cowhouse’s core value of community building and engagement is a practice that I will always try to uphold—from the small communtiy of family, students and mentors to the web of artists that all gravitate towards the farm. This is truly such a special place and I am eternally grateful to have spent time here.

The time I spent on the farm during Cowhouse’s gap year program was an invaluable experience for me as an artist. Not only was the area absolutely gorgeous but I also met such wildly talented and lovely people that I can call friends for life. Frank and Rosie are extremely supportive and knowledgeable and the facilities are amazing; their advice helped advance my practice massively. They made sure there was always an abundance of activities to partake in. I also can’t forget to mention Caitriona’s amazing cooking! A highlight for me was helping her make a sticky toffee pudding one evening. I cannot express how much I loved my time on the farm and two years on I still think about it most days!