Well Rounded Experience of a Lifetime

The warmth, care, and expertise of the staff and faculty are wonderful. Our daughter's experience was deeply meaningful, full of joy & fun, grew her artistic skill set (and portfolio!, which we had underestimated and it resulted in a significant scholarship to a design school), as well as her independence and cultural exposure. The team holds space for the students to find their own way & to get out of it what they put into it -- that's an invaluable lesson at this life stage.

The space and surroundings are comfortable, cozy, and safe -- it feels like staying with close family friends. The fresh baked bread, thoughtfully home cooked meals (prepared by the lovely & hilarious Dee who felt like a true Auntie), and morning exercise option (led with encouragement & care by Frank) all helped to keep our daughter's health in balance.
The program folds its participants into the community, from the grandparents that reside next door, to the local children that come in for occasional workshops & events), to dinner at Rosie & Frank's house just down the way.

The weekend trips all over Ireland are a huge plus, and every stop is thoughtfully curated, and even adjusted as needed in response to weather or other factors. Stops covered countless galleries & museums, as well as a lighthouse, cultural landmarks, local small businesses & community venues, and hostel stay experiences, all of which combine for a super well rounded semester.

All supplies are included, which is significant, and our daughter was thrilled at the range of materials & equipment on hand (especially the unlimited film!). The guidance & critique are gentle while fostering confidence and encouraging growth. There's nicely done accountability in terms of rotating weekly chores and attending studio, done in a way that requires self-direction & building adulting skills.

Her experience felt like being with extended family, which gave us major peace of mind and left her with life-long treasured memories. Each cohort has a unique experience, based on the alchemy of that year's group – so it's truly a one of a kind community each time, which is just one more special aspect of this immersive, robust, and beautiful program!