Visiting Artists, Art on the Farm 2012

visiting artists 2012
We are pleased to announce our 2012 visiting artists Devra Fox, Nora Rodriguez, Rachael MacFarlane and Sarah Hearn. During the programme they will run workshops, give individual tutorials and speak about their own creative process. This provides our students for Art on the Farm a great opportunity to work with and learn from dedicated and talented artists. For more examples of their work please click here.

Devra will receive her BFA from Bard college this year. A common theme that emerges in her practice is growth and deterioration in connection with the human body and nature. She seeks parallels, such as the correlation between the stemming of human veins and branches of a tree, and an overarching connectedness present between our bodies and nature.

Nora received her BA in Visual Art and Art History from Columbia University in 2011. She has taught at the Oxbow School in Napa, CA, Philips Academy, Andover MA and the De Young Museum in San Francisco, CA. Her recent work has been on paper in ink and pencil, and addresses sign systems, primarily personal and cultural symbols which express subjectivity.

Rachel received her BA from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 2008. She has been working as a technician and mentor at her alma mater, offering technical demonstrations, artist talks and individual critiques.Her work uses maquettes made of found refuse to serve as references for painted worlds that fall somewhere between mimetic representation and abstraction.

Sarah received her BFA from the College of Santa Fe in 2001 and her MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2010, and currently lives and teaches in Oklahoma City. Her recent work, An Unnatural History, is an installation that inhabits the space between the continuously shifting realms of science, pseudoscience and science fiction, documenting the (fictional) discovery of a taxonomy of marine life.

Agnes Irwin SSP

ssp 2012
This year we welcomed back a group from The Agnes Irwin School for a second session of their SSP program focusing on drawing, photography, and the history and culture of Ireland.

Their time was jam packed and fun filled. Some of our activities included a three day trip to Dublin where we visited Kilmainham Gaol, Fire Station Artist Studios and the Royal Hibernian Academy. A day trip in Wexford was highlighted by a visit to Hook Head to see the oldest continuously operational lighthouse in the world, a ramble through the picturesque Tintern Abbey and a tour of the Dunbrody famine ship. Back at the Cow House the girls were treated to an evening of traditional Irish stories by story teller Jack Lynch, an artist talk by local artist Kate Murphy, and an exchange with students from Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School.

In the studio everyone worked diligently through drawing, photography and bookmaking workshops, culminating in some wonderful handmade books. The nighttime photograph above by Margee Howell was taken during our night photo workshop. Amidst all the hard work lots of time was still found to play with the dogs, cycle and jog around the block, and to celebrate two birthdays!

This was our first group with our new baby boy Michael, and we couldn't have asked for a more kind, thoughtful and warm hearted group of girls to share it with. The two weeks seemed to just fly by, and we really look forward to catching up with everyone this winter. We would like to especially thank Keri Farrow for all her hard work in putting the trip together, and look forward to another great trip in 2014! You can have a look at images from the trip here.

Camp Fairs 2012

2012 camp fairs

This winter Frank will be traveling to the United States visiting schools, meeting families and attending camp fairs for Art on the Farm. If you notice any of the locations below are near you please get in touch and he will be happy to schedule a home visit.

California
Westridge School, Pasadena, CA: Sat, February 4, 10am – 3pm
Marymount High School, Los Angeles, CA: Sun, February 5, 11am – 2pm
Sage Hill School, Newport Beach, CA: Mon, February 6, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Connecticut
*Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT: Sun, February 19, 11am – 1pm

Massachusetts
Philips Academy, Andover: Sun, January 22, 2012, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
*Newton South High School, Newton: Mon, February 6, 2012, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

New Jersey
*Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ: Wed, January 18, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Princeton High School, Princeton, NJ: Wed, January 18, 2012, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Pennsylvania
*The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, PA: Sun, January 22, 2012, 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA: Mon, February 13, 2012, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

*Cow House Studios representative

2011 Teacher Retreat


During the third week in March we hosted a wonderful group of high school art teachers from the United States. During the week we were treated to presentations on making books from recycled materials, weaving, conductor line studies, cyanotypes and one minute sculptures inspired by the artist Erwin Wurm. The mornings were spent presenting these projects, exchanging ideas on how to engage young people in the art making process, and in the afternoons everyone had the opportunity to make their own work and enjoy the farm.

This proved to be a great forum for reflection, rejuvenating interests with new skills, fresh ideas, and an opportunity to meet other dedicated art educators who face similar challenges. We are thrilled with the success of this pilot programme, and will be offering the teacher retreat again next year. You can read more about the retreat here, and can view photographs from this year’s session by clicking here.

Visiting Artists, Art on the Farm 2011


For the summer of 2011 we will host artists Christin Boggs and Zsofia Schweger. For nine weeks they will run workshops, give individual tutorials and speak about their own creative process. This gives our students for Art on the Farm a great opportunity to work with and learn from young, dedicated and talented artists. For more examples of their work please click here.

Christin is an artist, photographer, educator, and sustainable food advocate. A native of the Washington Metropolitan Area, she holds a MFA in Imaging Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology [2010] and a BFA in Art and Visual Technology from George Mason University [2007]. Her recent project Slow & Steady has appeared in a number of public venues including a solo exhibition at the Design Gallery at the Rochester Regional Community Design Center.

Originally from Szeged, Hungary, Zsofia is currently studying for her B.A. in Studio Art and Comparative Literature at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She has worked as gallery assistant at the Jewett Gallery of Art and interned at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Project Basho Destination Trip, Ireland


Explore Ireland’s southeast from the streets of Dublin to the rolling hills of the Wexford countryside.  This one week trip offers an opportunity to photograph the unique urban scenes, landscapes, townscapes, personalities and details Ireland has to offer.  This is a shooting trip, however we will also take the time to visit some of Dublin’s best cultural sites including the Gallery of Photography, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the National Museum, as well as some of the monastic Christian and medieval sites dotted throughout the countryside.

You can read more about this trip and register on Project Basho’s website... click here!

Camp Fairs 2011


This winter Rosie and Frank will be traveling to the United States and France visiting schools and attending camp fairs for Art on the Farm. If you notice any of the locations below are in your area please get in touch and we will be happy to schedule a home visit.

California
Westridge School, Pasadena: Saturday, February 5, 10am - 3pm
Marymount High School, Los Angeles: Sunday, February 6, 11am – 2pm
Sage Hill School, Newport Beach: Monday, February 7, 6pm – 8:30pm

Connecticut
Kent School, Kent, Sunday, December 5, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford: Sunday, January 16, 11am – 1pm

France
Franco-American Community Centre, Paris: Saturday, March 5, 2pm – 7pm
Billingual School Jeannie Munuel, Paris: Monday, March 7, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Bilingual SchoolEAB Monceau, Paris: Tuesday, March 8, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Lycee International de St. Germain-en-Laye, Paris: Thursday, March 10
The American School, Paris: Friday, March 11
Eurosites, Paris: Saturday, March 12

Massachusetts
Philips Academy, Andover: Sunday, January 30, 12pm – 2pm
*Newton South High School, Newton: Monday, February 7, 5:30pm – 8pm

New Jersey
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack: Thursday, January 13, 7pm – 9pm
Princeton High School, Princeton: Wednesday, January 19, 7pm – 9pm

New York
Great Neck North High School, Great Neck: Monday, November 29, 7pm – 9pm
Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights: Tuesday, November 30, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale: Wednesday, December 1, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
The Spence School, New York: Thursday, December 2, 4pm – 6:30pm
The Wheatley School, Old Westbury: Monday, December 6, 7pm – 9pm
Rye Country Day School, Rye: Sunday, January 9, 1pm – 4pm
The Browning School, New York: Wednesday, January 12, 4pm – 6:30pm
The Chapin School, New York: Thursday, January 13, 4pm – 6pm
Horace Mann School, Bronx: Wednesday, January 26, 11am – 2pm

Pennsylvania
Germantown Academy, Fort Washington: Wednesday, February 2, 5:30pm – 8pm

*Cow House Studios representative

Childrens Workshop: Dates Announced



Please have a look at our newly announced autumn workshops for children ages 7-12 years. Focusing on sensory, intellectual and creative enrichment; learning how to approach the world visually, these fun and engaging workshops also introduce the work of important artists. We will be holding four workshops exploring drawing, painting, photography and collage. More details can be found here.

Photos! Photos! Photos!



It’s hard to believe the summer is over. It seems like just yesterday we were picking up the first group from the airport, and now the farm is quiet again. We had such a great time with everyone in our first full nine week summer. We’re really going to miss the group of characters we met this year, and hope to see you all this winter when we travel to the US and France.

Our final week started with three mornings of life drawing. Everyone made huge improvements in their work over this time, despite the occasional frustrating moments. We were also lucky enough to be be treated to a shadow puppet performance by Julie’s good friend Liz Lake, and what better way to follow up a night performance than with a great campfire and some toasted marshmallows. Liz was also kind enough to run a few workshops making masks and scrapbooks in her short stay.

We celebrated Noah and Natalie’s birthdays in the last week as well. Congratulations to both of you, and thanks for giving Mary an excuse to make a few of her delicious deserts.

The last few days were spent making some really ambitious final projects punctuated by some night photography and a bit of downtime by the lake. We were again impressed with the scale and scope of the work in our last critique. We wish you all the best of luck in your school year, and hope you can kep us posted on new work. Please have a look at the final set of photos here, and check back soon for a web gallery of some of the work produced this summer.

The new photos look great on the website!



Our second week of session three started of with a great weaving demo from Julie, and a few people even met her challenge managing to top Frank’s best efforts. We continued with our photography and painting assignments where it was evident by critique on Tuesday that everyone put in a huge effort.

On Wednesday we headed for the Dingle Peninsula where we visited Gallarus Oratory, a 1200 year old stone church built entirely from stone. Resembling an upturned boat this elegant structure has remained bone dry despite its lack of mortar. Paul, Janet and Jenny even managed to earn trips to heaven by squeezing through the buildings tiny window. Along the way we enjoyed some fantastic ice cream from Murphy’s. And a short visit to a hidden beach at the end of the peninsula with a great view of Dead Man’s Island.

Our second day out west was spent in and around Killarney where we visited its spectacularly restored Ross Castle, a beautifully dilapidated Muckross Abbey and had a fun night listening to some traditional Irish music and trying out some of the rides at the Puck Fair in Killorgan.

On our last day we visited the island of Skellig Michael, a Unesco World Heritage site off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. On the choppy boat ride out we had a close look at the gannet population and seals on Skellig Bheag. Once there, it was a steep climb of over 600 steps to the beautiful monastic settlement.
Please have a look at the new photos on the website here.

Our first photos from Session 3



It’s hard to believe the summer is nearing its end! It feels like just yesterday we were picking up our first group from the airport, but here we are more than one week into our third session. We’ve been busy from the start. Our first few days were spent on some drawing exercises, learning to use manual film cameras and making our first prints in the darkroom.

We started our two day trip to Dublin at the studio of former Cow House resident artist Aoife Collins. She is currently artist in residence at IMMA (The Irish Museum of Modern Art) and was generous enough to give us an hour of her time to discuss the ideas and processes behind her work. Other highlights of our stay included an entertaining trip through the city streets with Lorcan Collins, a visit to the gold collection at the National Museum and late night gelato in Temple Bar.

Back at the studio everyone continued their hard work in the studio, but we still found time to take a walk up to Kelly’s trees, go swimming and fishing in the pond, and celebrate Paul’s birthday. Happy 17th... the photos look great on the website! Check them out here.

Final photos from Session 2



Its been four days since everyone from session 2 returned home for the rest of the summer. In our last week everyone worked really hard on their final projects. There was a huge variety of media and techniques, from large scale ink drawings to paintings on paper and canvas, weaving garments with reeds, printing in the darkroom, and even sculpting with hay and masking tape.

In the midst of all the work we still made time to visit nearby Rose Acre Soaps where a local family makes soap from the milk of their 13 goats. Everyone had a chance to pick up a few gifts and meet the goats, including unicorn, who was born with only one horn.

We also fished for our dinner one evening. Congratulations to Jamie, Lauren, Tess and Madeleine for their successful efforts. An evening campfire, night photography, and a trivia showdown between Alex and Grace for a handmade tote bag by Julie were all part of the weeks events. The Paris crew even had the courage to swim in the pond on the last night.

Please have a look at the photos from our final week here, and to everyone who participated have a great end to your summer!

Today is gonna' be the best day of our lives...



Week two started on the farm with some life drawing, and a continuation of our drawing and photo projects from the previous week. Julie introduced weaving to the group, and we managed to squeeze in a few juggling and cartwheel lessons as well.

Our trip to Cork started at Blarney Castle where everyone got a chance to kiss the famous stone. A few were surprised to see it wasn’t made of gold or covered in jewels, and its hard to tell if its powers bestowed the gift of eloquence to anyone since the group as a whole never seems to be at a loss for words. After a quick walk through the grounds we headed to Cork City for a beautiful lunch at the English Market. Afterwords, four different groups gave Frank an Iron Chef challenge by picking some surprise ingredients for dinner. On the menu were diced lamb, field mushrooms, camembert cheese and cucumber. A visit to the Lewis Glucksman gallery and a trad session rounded out our day.

Early on our second day in Cork we headed to Cape Clear Island. On the bus ride Mary-Kate and Julie worked their musical magic and willed us an absolutely beautiful day. A long hike along the coast to an old castle and a trip to a goat farm for some ice-cream were followed by some leisure time and sunbathing by the water. After dinner we had a talent show where Manya, Victoria and Mary-Kate shared top honors. The next morning some went for a kayak trip around the inlet and explored a nearby cave.

Back at the farm we were greeted by Manya’s sister Devra. We’re lucky we had her here for our Sunday morning brunch as she led the efforts for some excellent huevos rancheros. Be sure to check out our updated photos page for all the new images!

Session 2, the first photos...



Our second session got off to a fast start with everyone producing some great work in our first three days, late night dance parties in the studio and some impressive marshmallow and spaghetti structures. Congrats to Victoria, Mary-Kate, Grace and Charlotte for their winning effort.

Our two day trip to Dublin took us to the Irish Museum of Modern Art where we saw the work of Carlos Garaicoa and had a studio visit with former Cow House resident artist Aoife Collins. Other highlights during our stay included the Gallery of Photography, Chester Beatty Library, the Book of Kells at Trinity College and of course ice cream and Top Shop.

Inspired by watching Francis Ford Coppola’s new film Tetro in Dublin, upon returning to the studio we decided to watch his masterpiece, The Godfather. This past Sunday we were treated to an artist talk by photo realist painter Robert Cottingham. We were thrilled to see such a great turnout for the event, and were even paid a visit by last years visiting artist Darragh Casey. Please be sure to have a look at the gallery page by clicking here, and check back next week for updates.

Our final photos from session 1



Our final week was spent working hard in the studio. We were amazed by everyones dedication to their final projects, and it was evident in the work we saw in our final critique. It wasn’t all hard work though, as there was still time for a nice walk in the woods, night swimming and some ultimate frisbee. We were impressed with Eugeine’s raw egg drinking abilities, and her knack for persuading Frank to take on some impossibly difficult French dishes. Good times...

You will all be missed dearly, and we’re already looking forward to our winter reunions. Its never to early to start planning! Have a great time with the rest of your summer, and don’t forget to have a look at our updated photos here.

Robert Cottingham: Artist Talk

17th July 2010, 5:45pm



In partnership with Newtownbarry House Studio Programme, Wexford Arts Centre, and Anya von Gosseln we are delighted to host a talk by American artist Robert Cottingham.

Robert Cottingham belongs to the first generation of American Photorealists, alongside Chuck Close, Richard Estes, Robert Bechtle and Ralph Goings. Born in 1935 in Brooklyn NY, Cottingham was educated at Pratt Institute, NY. He lives and works in Connecticut, USA. This public talk presents a rare opportunity to hear the artist speak about his work.

Cottinghams work is in major collections in the US and Europe, such as The Ludwig Museum in Cologne, The Metropolitan Museum and The Museum of Modern Art, both in NY, The Hirschorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington DC, The High Museum, Atlanta GA, The Tampa Museum of Art in Florida, The Guggenheim Museum in NY, The Tate Gallery in London, Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, CT, The Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, The Art Institute of Chicago, Ill, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts Council of Great Britain, London, among others. In Spring of 2009, the Deutsche Guggenheim Museum in Berlin featured the artists in a long awaited group exhibition which drew large and enthusiastic crowds. The artist is represented by FORUM Gallery NY.

Contact Rosie O’Gorman (086) 210 9027 to RSVP your place at the talk.

Bus departing Wexford Arts Centre at 4:45pm.€8 per person. Contact Rosie to book a place on the bus.

Art on the Farm Photo Update



Our second week of Art on the Farm started with some life drawing. Under Julie and Rosie’s guidance everyone showed some really impressive progress in their drawings. We’re looking forward to what is produced tomorrow in our final session working with the figure.

Our next three days were spent out west, starting in the Burren, Co. Clare. This surreal limestone landscape is home to many flower species, some found in only a hand-full of locations around the world. Other spots on our first day included the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 5000 year old portal tomb and the Cliffs of Moher.

On our second day we took a ferry to Inis Mor. On the way we were treated to a coastguard training session where our ship was boarded from a helicopter. Once on the island we embarked on an epic bike ride full of spectacular scenery, a few showers, some bumps, bruises and scrapes. After a bit of shopping for authentic Arran wool sweaters we hiked to Dun Aengus, a ring fort on the edge of a sheer cliff.

Our final day out west started with a walk to the remains of what is thought to be the smallest church in the world. After a ride back to the mainland we spent a couple hours in Galway before heading back to the farm.

Our past few days have been spent preparing for the final self directed projects, and of course a 4th on July celebration with the obligatory BBQ and flag shaped cake. Its safe to say everyone was stuffed after the huge meal. Be sure to have a look at our updated gallery of images by clicking here.

Our first photos from Art on the Farm 2010


Our first week in the summer of 2010 has been blessed with beautiful weather. We’ve been sure to take advantage by fishing in the pond for dinner, swimming, tennis and a few bike rides around the block. Manya and Julie even prepared a Summer Solstice celebration with flower wreaths and herb satchels. Everyone spent their first few days working really hard in the studio producing some wonderful perspective drawings and prints in the darkroom.

Our trip to Dublin was packed full of activities, but most still found time to make it to Top Shop and a few vintage clothing stores. With stops at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Douglas Hyde Gallery at Trinity College, a walking tour of the significant sites of the 1916 rebellion and a film at the Irish Film Institute we were constantly on the move. During our second day we saw the bronze age collection of gold jewelry at the National Museum. These beautiful artifacts are among the most significant of their kind in Europe. We also had a tour of the annual juried show at the Royal Hibernian Academy where everyone seemed to find something they loved. By the time the day was done everyone was glad to get back to the farm.

The last few days have been spent in the studio starting new assignments and drawing from the figure. It seems that everyone has settled in nicely, ready to take on the new week. Please have a look at our gallery of images by clicking here, and be sure to check back next sunday for more photos.

Goodbye to all from the Agnes Irwin SSP



It has been six days since the girls from Agnes Irwin left the farm, the dogs are lonely and the place couldn’t be quieter. We were fortunate to meet such a great group of girls; Nancy makes a great Lady Gaga, May-Lin has a natural talent for printing in the darkroom, Cristina likes floating on the pond, Katie H. has a great eye for composition, Katey D. doesn’t know which way is up, Emma makes beautiful figure drawings, Emmie has some great embarrassing stories, Kelton may have an unhealthy obsession with gnomes, Isabelle likes to see Frank bbq-ing her dinner, Megg can run faster than a speeding bike, Aynana has creativity to spare, Alison liked the food... she really liked the food and Kelly has BOUNDLESS patience. We were really impressed with your final projects and excited to see such a variety of approaches to your books. We hope to see you all this winter and look forward to a bowling reunion!

Thank you to Amanda for being such a great chaperone and great company, and a very special thank you to Keri for all her support and hard work in setting up the trip. We had a fantastic time with the everyone.

Click here to see photos and to read a little more about the programme.

Visiting Artists, Art on the Farm 2010


For the summer of 2010 we will host artists Manya Fox and Julie O’Rourke. For these nine weeks they will run workshops, give individual tutorials and speak about their own creative process. This gives our students for Art on the Farm a great opportunity to work with and learn from young, dedicated and talented artists. For more examples of their work please click here.

Manya, originally from Seattle, received her BA from Bard College in 2005 and her MFA from UCLA in 2008. She has exhibited her work extensively throughout the United States, and was included in the 2009 Collector’s Guide to Emerging Art Photography, published by the Humble Arts Foundation. Manya has had extensive teaching experience at both the UCLA and LACMA teen summer programmes, and as a guest lecturer at various institutions including Bard College, Sheridan College and UCLA. In 2009, Manya participated in two artist residencies, the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Banner Wyoming, and the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Manya currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Julie O’Rourke grew up in the woods of Maine. After receiving her BFA in Textile design from Rhode Island School of Design she continues explore traditional craft using modern design techniques. With a focus mainly in knitting, sewing, and weaving, Julie’s body of work reflects her appreciation for start to finish design, consciousness of material source, and the simplicity and versatility of natural materials. She draws inspiration from her ever-shifting surroundings and can still often be found with pockets full of rocks, feathers, and sea shells.

Camp Fairs 2010

For the next two months Rosie and Frank will be traveling the east coast visiting schools, attending camp fairs and holding information sessions for Art on the Farm. For those interested this is a great opportunity to speak with the programme directors and meet former students. Below is a list of the fairs we will be attending this year, and we will be posting information regarding our information sessions soon.

Middlebrook Middle School
Wilton, CT: Saturday, January 9, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Rye Country Day School
Rye, NY: Sunday, January 10, 1pm – 4pm

The Hill School
Pottstown, PA: Wednesday, January 13, 11am – 1pm

The Browning School
New York, NY: Wednesday, January 13, 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Princeton High School
Princeton, NJ: Wednesday, January 13, 7pm – 9pm

Chapin School
New York, NY: Thursday, January 14, 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Merriam Towne School
Acton, MA: Tuesday, January 19, 5pm – 8pm

Greenwich High School
Greenwich, CT: Wednesday, January 20, 6pm – 9pm

Sidwell Friends School
Washington, DC: Saturday, January 23, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Park School
Brooklandville, MD: Sunday, January 24, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Concord Carlisle High School
Concord, MA: Monday, February 1, 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Germantown Academy
Fort Washington, PA: Wednesday, February 3, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Phillips Academy
Andover, MA: Sunday, February 7, 11am – 2pm

Newton South High School
Newton Centre, MA: Monday, February 8, 5:30am – 8:30am

Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford, CT: Sunday, February 21, 11am – 1pm

Middlesex Middle School
Darien, CT: Saturday, February 27, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Workshop for Art Teachers: Making Cyanotypes

Saturday April 17, 2010 1pm - 4pm

This three hour workshop introduces the cyanotype: one of the oldest photographic process that produces a stunning vivid blue and white monochromatic image. Creating cyanotypes is a simple, effective way to introduce traditional photographic processes to students, without the need for a darkroom.

Participants will learn how to make a cyanotype, and explore practical applications for the classroom.

This workshop is free, please book a spot as there are limited spaces. Bring a pair of rubber gloves, and watercolour or printmaking paper. Everything else will be provided.

2009 Open Studios 

Saturday, 14 November 2009, 11am - 5pm

Cow House Studios invite you to meet this years Artists in Residence; Julie Lequin (Canada), Aoife Collins (London) and Billy Rueck (USA).

During their ten week stay, these artists are given the time and space to concentrate on making a new body of work. Cow House Open Studios offers the community a chance to see our facilities, meet the artists, and view the work they have been creating. Please visit anytime between 11am and 5pm, or for the scheduled events listed below. 
All are welcome.


Above: Hanged-man orchid/Aceras anthropophora, artificial orchid taken apart thread by thread and reassembled, mixed media, 88 cm x 42 cm by Aoife Collins

Schedule of Events

11am - 1pm: Hat & masking making workshop for children.
This workshop is free. Please book your spot as there are limited spaces. Contact: Rosie O’Gorman (086) 2109027

3pm - 4pm: Artist Talk
Residency artists will discuss their work, addressing their materials and ideas, and take questions from visitors.

4pm - 5pm: Tea & Cakes

Presentation School Workshops

Rosie and Frank visited the Presentation Secondary School in Wexford town in March, to host workshops with the transition year students. Frank taught a cyanotypes workshop, and Rosie worked with the girls to produce large scale charcoal drawings focusing on negative space. Here are a few photos of the days activities.

Visiting Artists for Art on the Farm 2009


From July 12 to July 25 we will host artists Matt Davis and Jennifer K. Beal Davis for one week during each of our sessions of Art on the Farm. During this time they will run workshops, give individual tutorials and speak about their own creative process. For more examples of their work please go here.

Jennifer K. Beal Davis

Jenny is a photographer and graphic designer based in New York and Philadelphia. She graduated from RISD with a BFA in Photography in 2001, and studied photography internationally at Spéos in Paris, France. Jenny has a deep passion for teaching. An expert printer, she's a traditionalist at heart, in love with the big clunk her Hasselblad camera makes with every film exposure. In her professional life she designs illustrated books and stationery at Clarkson Potter/Publishers with authors including Rachael Ray, Colin Cowie, theknot.com and many more. Jenny was formerly the Photo Editor at Packaged Goods, and a Photo Shoot Coordinator at Rockport Publishers, Fairwinds Press, and Quarry Books. She art directs photo shoots and works with photography on a daily basis.

Matt Davis

Matt is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design where he received a BFA in Illustration. He is the Creative Director for a franchise corporation and has a busy freelance illustration career specializing in collectible silkscreen posters for popular music acts. His art tends to favor surrealism, traditional tattoo imagery, symmetry and pretty ladies.

Camp Fairs 2009 (Updated)


We have a great schedule of Camp Fairs this winter in the United States, France and Spain for Art on the Farm. If you’re interested in spending three weeks in Ireland this summer making art the you’ll want to come by our booth to meet either Rosie or Frank. We can give you more details about the programme and answer any questions you might have. Happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Greenwich High School
Greenwich, CT: Wednesday, January 26, 6 - 9 PM

Tower Hill School
Wilmington, DE: Thursday, January 29, 3:30 - 7 PM

Chestnut Hill Academy
Philadelphia, PA: Saturday, January 31, 11 AM - 3 PM

Potomac School
McLean, VA: Saturday, January 31, 12 - 3 PM

Metro Kids Super Camp Fair
King of Prussia Mall, PA: Sunday, February 1, 10 AM - 4 PM

Concord Carlisle High School
Concord, MA: Monday, February 2, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Dalton School
New York, NY: Tuesday, February 3, 4-6:30 PM

Franco American Centre
Paris, France: Saturday, February 7, 2 - 7 PM

Phillips Andover Academy
Andover, MA: Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 2 PM

Newton South High School
Newton Centre, MA: Monday, February 9, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Jeannine Manuel
Lille, France: Monday, February 9, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Jeannine Manuel
Paris, France: Tuesday, February 10, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Colegio San Augustin
Madrid, Spain: Thursday, February 12, 5 - 9 PM

Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford, CT: Sunday, February 22, 11 AM - 2 PM

Cow House Open Studios Recap

Thanks to everyone who visited for our first open day. There was much excitement and activity during our puppet making workshop and puppet performance, and an enthusiastic crowd for our artist talks.

Cow House Open Studios

Sunday, 2 November 2008, 12pm - 7pm

Cow House Studios invite you to meet our Artists in Residence.
 
The Cow House Studios Artist in Residence Programme provides studio space and accommodation to professional visual artists. During their two month stay, four artists are given the time and space to concentrate on making a new body of work. Cow House Open Studios offers the community a chance to see our new facilities, meet the artists, and view the work they have been creating. Please visit anytime between 12pm and 7pm, or for the scheduled events listed below. Everybody is welcome.


Artists in Residence, 2008...

Aoife Cassidy, Galway: Cow House Studios Residency Award, Tulca, Galway, 2007
Maria Hinds, Dublin & New Orleans
Peter Allen Hoffmann, New York
Haden Nicholl, San Francisco
 
Peter Allen Hoffmann and Haden Nicholl will exhibit work made during their residency at the Wexford Arts Centre in January 2009.
 

Schedule of Events

12pm - 2pm: Puppet Making workshop for children.
This workshop is free. Please book your spot as there are limited spaces.
 
4pm - 6pm: Artist Talk
Residency artists will discuss their work, addressing their materials and ideas, and questions from the viewers.
 
6pm: Tea and cakes. 
 
Contact Rosie O'Gorman for further details (086) 2109027

Cow House Studios partners with Wexford Arts Centre


Wexford Arts Centre, in partnership with Cow House Studios have initiated an annual international residency and exhibition programme. This collaboration consists of a ten week residency for an international visual artist at Cow House Studios, which will facilitate an exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre. This programme provides a significant opportunity for international artists to live, work and exhibit in Ireland, and simultaneously exposes Irish audiences to progressive contemporary art from around the world. 

The artists awarded the 2008 residency are Peter Allen Hoffmann and Haden Nicholl. 

Peter Allen Hoffmann lives and works in New York. He completed his MFA from Hunter College, New York. To date, Hoffman has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Berlin. Hoffmann is represented by Freight + Volume Gallery, New York and Thomas Robertello Gallery, Chicago.
“These new works represent an ongoing dialogue with aspects of the art historical canon. Disparate as they appear, these paintings function as a collection, where the relationships between them create a forum for the continuation of the conversation.”

Haden Nicholl originally from Colorado, currently lives in San Francisco where he works with troubled teens. He received his MFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, California, and his BA in Psychology and BFA from the University of Denver, Colorado. Nicholl has exhibited extensively in California and abroad, including London, Puerto Rico and Ecuador, and his work is represented by the Little Tree Gallery in San Francisco.
“The bulk of my practice involves using symbols and text to provoke introspective reactions in the viewer. Working in a different country and preparing for a show there, has challenged me to develop my understanding of the culture so that I can interact with the audience on a more intimate level.”

Furthermore, Cow House Studios award two additional residencies annually. Applications are open to both national and international visual artists working in any medium. Cow House Studios provide shared accommodation and twenty four hour access to the studio and facilities. The 2400 square-foot open plan space contains a wood shop, darkroom and computer lab. Individual spaces measure 18 square meters, each with abundant natural light.

The 2009 Artist in Residence Programme runs from September 14 until December 1.   
The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 January, 2009.

Online Exhibition from "Art on the Farm"


Please have a look at our new online exhibition of some of the great work that was made here during our three week summer course in June and July. There was a great evolution in the work that everyone produced, and we wanted to share the exceptional results with everyone else.

Thanks to Jackie, Maria and the entire A=AGHT crew!


A big thank you to everyone involved with bringing the incredible kids from New Orleans and Tallaght together here at the Cow House for ten intense days of art-making. Rosie and I would like to especially thank Jackie for putting together such an ambitious project, and thinking of our studio as a place to end her residency here in Ireland, Maria for working so hard to ensure that everything ran smooth, and helping out in every possible way be it writing grant applications, cooking in the kitchen, helping out in the studios or designing awesome t-shirts. We would also like to thanks Timeka, Turron and YAYA for bringing such a great group of kids over from New Orleans. We can't wait to see ya'll on your home turf and try out those famed Po-Boys. And of course a fond farewell to Jay, Jasmine, Azania, Chloe, Aine, Padrig, Kwayne, Jourdan and Sarah. You will be missed dearly.

A=AGHT


Cow House Studios are proud to announce our support for and collaboration with artist Jackie Sumell in her newest project A=AGHT. For ten days our studios will facilitate a collaboration between students from New Orleans, LA and Tallaght, Co Dublin on projects designed by participating artists including Cow House founders Frank Abruzzese and Rosie O'Gorman.

A=AGHT is a project designed by lead artist Jackie Sumell under the South Dublin County Percent for Art Scheme. Ms. Sumell is currently artist-in-resident through In Context-3 Programme, based in Tallaght and has been working in New Orleans over the last 7 years.

A=AGHT is a concept based on creating the same sound from two entirely different spellings. This serves as the conceptual catalyst for the process of identifying and extracting commoness in seemingly different communities. NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) and Tallaght (South County Dublin).

A=AGHT is a semi-utopic virtual space/town whose rules, population and culture are generated by a facilitated exchange between youth from New Orleans and Tallaght. Adult artists and cultural workers from both cities will develop projects that encourage youth participants to explore historic moments, social grievances, ethnic and racial disparities in order to invent a place of creative resolve.

Goodbye


The last week of Art on the Farm saw the students working hard on their final projects. Days and nights were spent in the studio painting, printing in the darkroom and drawing sheep. Everyone still managed to have lots of fun along the way. Gaby solidified her postion as reigning cow house ping pong champion, Maddy and Flo contiued their nightly jam sessions, Sophie made sure everyone at the dinner table laughed themselves to tears, Emma and Lea consumed more sugar than anyone we have ever witnessed, Marine became best friends with our three dogs, Bobby, Maeby and Chester, Axel gave everyone a laugh with his ever expanding sheep universe, Russ scared everyone with his creepy portrait of Flo, and Will snuck off to produce some truly beautiful photographs.
During our last week we were also paid a visit by artist
Jackie Sumell. We are grateful she made the time to visit and speak with everyone about her practice, and her most current project "The House That Herman Built".
The farm is very quiet now that our first class has oficcialy come to a close, but as we prepare for our next group we are certain that the memory of the past three weeks will live on. We will never forget our first group of budding young artists, and look forward to keeping in touch. Take a look at some of our
photos from the final week of "Art on the Farm."

Activities Update by Flo, Lea, Marine and Will


Last wednesday, we went on a trip to Galway, a city in West Ireland. We drove for about four hours, making tons of senic stops, (one of which included the Cliffs of Moher) and finally arrived and checked into our hostle. We got settled and went to have dinner at local resturant where some us enjoyed the local specialty of fish and chips. Galway proved to be an interesting city with tons of street acts and fun things do at night. The next day we woke up and had some free time to walk around and further explore Galway. We got right back in the car and drove on over to the ferry that would take us to the Aran Islands. With some spectacular luck we got the best weather yet! The Aran islands were as beautiful as they were fascinating. We checked into another hostle, then rented bikes for the day. Some of us rode over to the historic site of Dun Aengus and enjoyed a great view, while others relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The islands were a great place to sketch and to take photos. Some lucky members of the group got to go out late and learn how to do night photography with Frank (the fatigue the next day was entirely worth it.). In the morning we packed up, then went out to explore the rest of the island. We took the 12 O'clock ferry back to the mainland and enjoyed another meal in Galway. We arrived back at the farm tired but happy late that night and all hit the hay pretty hard. Check out our updated photos page.

Activities Update by Emma, Axel and Sophie


Thursday morning, we got up early and headed up to Dublin. The trip took about two hours, with a rainy stop at the Glendalough Monastic settlement. The ruins were beautiful, even in the rain. Our first stop in the city was at the Douglas Hyde Gallery on O'Connell Street, where among many other great works we saw the displaced studio of Francis Bacon. After that, we made a stop at our hostel, Avalon House on George's Street. That afternoon/evening we had some time to explore the city, take photographs, sketch and shop. The next morning, we ate breakfast at the hostel and headed for Newgrange, a 5000 year-old enclosed tomb. Later in the afternoon, we went to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, where we had a guided tour of Janaina Tschape's latest works, and hung out in the Formal Garden nearby.
Exhausted from the trip, we slept until noon on Sunday, and woke up to a delicious pancake breakfast! The next few days were spent learning to process our own photographs in the darkroom, and receiving an introduction to oil paints. Our nights have been spent watching classics such as "The Breakfast Club" (twice!), and runner ups..."Fight Club", and "Lost Boys", and presentations of both Rosie and Frank's artwork. Tomorrow its off to the west where we will spend a night in Galway and another on the Aran Islands. Please have a look at our updated photos page, and check back soon for more updates.

Art on the Farm class of 2008!


The third day on the farm begins as the sleepy, yet eager, students wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and toast. Mary's fresh baked banana bread is a hit when paired with sweet fresh strawberries and a warm cup of tea. The Nutella can't be passed down the long wood table fast enough as conversation buzzes about the art books that Frank and Rosie put on the tables. The leisurely breakfast turns into a scurry for the studios to begin the days activities. Each day brings new opportunities, new experiences, new challenges and new accomplishments. Yesterday, the students worked with Rosie on charcoal pieces that tested their ability to interpret tone, negative space and composition. Frank introduced the students to the dark room and the basics of manipulating a 35mm camera. The more experienced photographer was challenged and thrilled to try a medium format camera. The afternoon adventure had Cow House students galavanting in the town of Wexford with cameras and sketch journals in hand. The students meandered around the Wexford Art Center and examined several pieces on display. The students enjoyed some free time in town to take pictures, sketch or shop for Wellies. Later that evening, Carla Sanchez, the chair of the Board of Directors of the Wexford Art Center, joined us for dinner and shared a behind the scenes look at creating the gallery space. The students were given a unique opportunity to become constructive critiques of the Center. Carla was both appreciative and impressed by the pensive and well articulated comments that the young Cow House students had to share. The day comes to an end and students scatter to work on personal projects, play a spirited game of Jenga or to steal a teacake from the pantry. Please enjoy some of the photos that speak for themselves.

Introducing your Chaperones for the Summer...


Jenga Gatmaitan, originally from the Philadelphia area, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from McGill University, Montreal Canada. Jenga taught in an elementary school for two few years before returning to school to gain a Master's Degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University, Nashville Tennessee. Currently, she is residing in Wallingford PA and teaching children with Autism for the Elwyn organization in Philadelphia. Jenga has been fortunate to both travel and live abroad. Her adventures have taken her to Ireland, France, Finland, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Canada and all over the United States. Jenga enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling and a good cup of tea.

Jonathan Shearburn grew up in the Philadelphia area. He attained a Bachelor's Degree in Film from Fordham University, New York, NY. Jon moved back to the Philadelphia area and began working on various independent film projects, and is currently the editor for Coyopa Productions. Jon spent several weeks in Ireland helping Frank and Rosie with the initial construction of the Cow House Studios. A dedicated friend, he has made over 5 trips to Ireland in the past 3 years and is very familiar with Dublin and the surrounding areas. Jon's travels include Ireland, Germany, Italy, Canada and all over the United States. Jon enjoys pizza, independent films and an occasional pint of Guiness.

New Summer Courses Added

We have just opened up two new courses for the Summer of 2008. Rosie will be teaching a painting course focused on color theory, and frank will be teaching a photography course course where students get a chance to print in the darkroom and take a couple shooting excursions. If you have any questions about these courses or future programming requests please do not hesitate to contact us.

Camp Fairs 2008 (Updated)

Cow House Studios will attend the following camp fairs this winter. This will be a great opportunity for those of you interested in our programme to meet Rosie or Frank and ask them any questions you might have about Art on the Farm. We look forward to seeing you there.



Summer Fare '08 at Greenwich High School, Greenwich CT
Wednesday, January 23 : 6PM - 9 PM

Summer Opportunities Fair, Phillips Academy, Andover MA
Sunday, January 27 : 11AM - 2PM

Summer Opportunities Fair, Concord Carlisle High School, Concord MA
Monday, January 28 : 5:30PM - 8:30PM

17th Annual Camp Fair, Chestnut Hill Academy, Chestnut Hill PA
Saturday, February 2 : 11AM - 3PM

Overnight Camp Fair, Princeton Day School, Princeton NJ
Sunday, February 3 : 11AM - 3PM

Teen Sumer Program Expo 2008, Newton South High School, Newton Centre, MA
Monday, February 4 : 5:30PM - 8PM

Summer Camp & Teen Program Expo, International School, Paris
Wednesday, February 6 : 5:30PM – 8:30PM

Summer Camp & Teen Program Expo, Bilingual School Jeannine Manuel, Paris
Thursday, February 7 : 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Explore! '08, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford CT*
Sunday, February 17 : 11AM - 1PM

*Cow House Studios representative in attendance only