Art on the Farm High School Program in Ireland

Cow House Studios was an incredible experience. I had never experienced anything like it. I got the fortunate experience of getting the scholarship to cow house, and once I got it I felt incredibly lucky and excited, as I had never done anything like that in my life. If you are considering applying for the scholarship, go for it! Its definitely worth it and you never know, you might just get accepted! The staff, the food, accommodation was absolutely wonderful as well as my art improving tremendously. I had great conversations with my mentor Roisín and the staff at cow house such as Rosie, Frank and Sal were all such interesting people with amazing artwork and incredible lives. I absolutely loved taking trips around Ireland to different galleries and places. As an Irish person I never actually visited so many of the exhibitions and it really opened my eyes to the amazing art and landscapes on offer in our country. I am now prepping my portfolio for art school with tons of cow house paintings and pieces included, it was so unbelievably helpful. Cow House Studios also encouraged me to actually pursue art as a career, as initially it wasn’t my plan. The nature there was absolutely stunning, and I loved how rural it was! I loved swimming in the pond every single day. I cherish all the amazing friends I met there. So many people encouraged me to be myself, as expressing the artist and cooler side in you is NOT common where I am from lol. Being exposed to so many people like me made me realise how important self expression is and I really became my true self surrounded by nothing but nature, people and art. Funnily enough, my ex of two years horrifically broke up with me while away from home. I’ll never forget how kind everyone was to me, the support I got was absolutely unreal. I just know if I wasn’t at cow house the break up would have been so much harder. The kindness and support they showed was so strong and it just pretty much sums up how cow house is lol. After returning home from cow house I honestly felt like a new person. I also celebrated my 18th birthday at cow house and everyone was seriously so kind about it and bought me presents, it was the sweetest. Thank you so much to everyone at cow house! sending good luck to anyone applying for the scholarship this year, and if anyone needs to reach out for me for advice on how I got in pls do! My instagram is fiadhxd <3

When I first walked into the studios and living spaces I immediately felt at home. Everyone was so friendly and open - people wanted to connect and make friends as much as they wanted to make art. One of my favorite things about this program was how the days were put together. Everyday had some scheduling but also lots of free time so students could become immersed in the space on their own terms. Whether it was wandering through the woods near Kelly's trees, reading or drawing by the pond, laughing until your sides hurt with your roommates and new friends, or spending hours in the studio working on painting or prints, it was so fun and an unforgettable experience.

The Art on the Farm High School Program run by Cow House Studios in County Wexford, Ireland is a rare and extraordinary place for young artists to grow. Our son spent not just one, but two summers there, and the impact on his artistic development was profound. Rosie and her husband Frank have created an environment that is both deeply nurturing and rigorously creative — a place where students are challenged, supported, and genuinely cared for.

After his first summer at Art on the Farm, following his sophomore year of high school, our son returned home inspired, confident, and eager to continue exploring his craft. The experience was so meaningful that we sent him back the following summer without hesitation. The work he produced there became the backbone of the artistic portfolio that has now helped him gain admission — with a talent scholarship — to the BFA Painting and Drawing program of his choice.

The Art on the Farm High School Program provided our son with not only technical growth, but also a sense of artistic identity and belonging. It is a safe, encouraging, and beautifully run space in the Irish countryside where young artists can express themselves fully and discover what they’re capable of.

We recommend The Art on the Farm High School Program wholeheartedly. It is an exceptional haven for emerging artists, and our family is deeply grateful for the role it played in our son’s journey.

Ivana and Patrick O’Mahony,
Warwick, New York

My daughter did this program last summer (junior year) and she came back more confident, grounded, and with much sharper artistic skills. We didn't send her to this program to "build resume" or just create portfolio for college; however, she did leave with such amazing work it dominated her college portfolio and how she thinks about art. They focus very much here on helping you develop your style and process and its both rigorous and relaxing at the same time. Plus, friends for life were made here. Thank you for to the Cow House team for welcoming her and providing such an incredible experience to emerging artists.

I went to cow house this summer, hoping I would have enough portfolio pieces completed, and left with a wonderful experience in Ireland, new friends, tons of portfolio pieces, and more. I loved creating art while being surrounded by nature and being free to walk through the woods as a source of inspiration, and when feeling unmotivated, I was able to spend some time petting the cats Dolly and Cash. The mentors were also incredible and were incredibly helpful in motivating students to do art. 10/10

I'm so incredibly grateful for the truly rich and transformative experience Art on the Farm provided for my son. Hearing his stories and seeing how he grew as a person is the most meaningful gift a parent could receive. I knew he would benefit from the experience, but I never imagined to what degree.

I am so thankful from the bottom of my heart. The staff took such good care of him and were so intentional about giving all the students such a memorable experience. The positive impression this opportunity-of-a-lifetime has made on him is so clear and evident. He described the friends he made as his family. I literally got goosebumps when he told me about the emotional goodbye on the last day. I cannot express enough how thankful I am that he now has these lasting memories, newfound family, and friendships for life!

When we discovered Cow House and packed off our daughter for the summer we had high hopes. She came back with photos and stories and art that exceeded all of them. More art than we expected, made with so much joy. More friends than we thought you could make in such a short time. More love for Ireland, for experiences, for her sense of independence. With a thoughtful and balanced approach to guiding teens through the process of making art - its a real gem of a program. We wish all the best for the team at Cow House!

Our son Juan has repeated this program two summers in a row, and it's no surprise because it's not only a program for artistic growth but also a cultural, personal, and artistic immersion that will remain in his heart forever. Both the artist teachers and the friends he has made over the last two summers are now part of his life. And the place is so special and beautiful that you understand why they bring out the best in these kids. The intensity of learning and personal experiences are a treasure that we cannot recommend highly enough. And of course, we want to stay in touch with the wonderful team of artists who make it possible. Thank you Cow House!