Program Reviews

This program is hands-down incredible. Rosie and Frank have created a space where art is explored in multiple ways, where the young artists skills are nurtured, and where the students are both supported and encouraged to create outside of their comfort zone. Our daughter did her gap year here before applying to colleges. She loved every part of the program. The readings, the assignments, the critiques, the listing artists, the explorations around Ireland, and last, but not least, the Cow House facilities, food and most importantly, the other students. After this program she applied to art schools and was accepted into every one she applied to. I can't thank Rosie and Frank enough.

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.

I was lucky enough to experience Art on the Farm at Cow House in July of 2023. Two years later and I still talk to some of the friends I made there almost daily. Being from so far apart we sometimes exchange letters and have met for holidays. I am at University now and nothing could have set me up for a creative degree as well as Art on the Farm. Spending everyday enveloped in discovering my practice and learning new skills while surrounded by incredible creative peers and tutors is something both experiences have shared.

When I look back at my time spent in Ireland I am baffled at how many rich experiences were packed into that one month. The whole farm is a beacon of love and creativity. I felt so incredibly safe and cared for- by week two it felt like a family and by the end it was so difficult to leave.

The environment was so stimulating, I was inspired the whole time and learned so much, both skill wise and about myself as an artist. Rosie had said in the application process how a lot of past students had said that they had never made so much art and she was entirely right. The sheer quantity I was able to create was so impressive and it felt natural and easy in the cowhouse environment. The teaching was of serious quality and I have so much respect for everyone who spent time helping us improve. At the time I had more confidence in photography and chose Painting so I could grow my confidence and left feeling very proficient and a love for the medium. Life drawing was also a massively useful skill we were taught towards the end.
I was also actually really grateful for the phone time restriction, I had plenty of time to keep up with family(and had the option of the landline regardless) but I found less screen time was hugely enriching and I was much more engaged than I would have otherwise been. It felt very healthy.

I can wholeheartedly say that going to Art on the Farm is one of the most important things I've done. And one of the most fun months of my life. It may seem like I'm being overdramatic but Rosie and Frank have created an incredible environment and they take so much care over everyone who stays at the farm

I have so many highlights, so many times of laughter and connection. We all did cold water swims alongst the ducks on the sunnier afternoons; we ate INCREDIBLE food everyday; we explored so many different cities in Ireland- and on one of our day trips Frank and Rosie treated us to Barbie tickets so we wouldn't miss the premier; we spent time in the woods and absolutely loved sharing rooms, and sharing clothes; we loved having access to the studio at all hours; and every time anyone had a birthday while with us an incredible personalised cake was made for them. Everyone in our year's art on the farm had so much love for eachother, we became so close and we all felt encouraged and special. We also loved the animals so much.

Cow House is vibrant and genuine. It still feels like a second home to me after two years. And Ireland will forever hold a special place in my heart. I now have friends all across the globe and an improved confidence in my art.

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

My experience at Cow House Studio was absolutely life-changing and has become one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. From day one, I felt welcomed into a warm and joyful environment, surrounded by people who shared the same passions and quickly became lifelong friends.

The program perfectly combines artistic creativity with the exploration of Ireland. Working alongside professional artists helped me improve my skills tremendously and discover a creative side of myself I didn’t even know existed. On top of that, the excursions to Dublin and other beautiful parts of the country made every moment full of inspiration and adventure.

The nature around Cow House is simply magical. Walking through the forests, swimming in the pond, spending time with animals like Ruby, their lovely dog, and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings were a breath of fresh air away from the busyness of everyday life. And the food? Delicious, nourishing, and always made with love.

Frank, Rosie, and the entire team are extraordinary people, always ready to guide, listen, and support you every step of the way. Their dedication and expertise not only helped us grow as artists but also as individuals.

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.