FieldWorks: Enrichment Arts Gap Year Program in Ireland

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!