Artists‘ Haven

The Vision for an Artists‘ Haven

My dream is to establish a sanctuary outside Dublin, where artists and their children can come for short residencies, have access to studio space, and enjoy a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. The parent/artist will have the opportunity to focus on their project while their child or children enjoy a dedicated play area, engaging programs, and safe supervision. I aim to purchase an older house with a large area of land outside Dublin, renovate it, and create a space where nature and art coexist harmoniously. This space will host workshops related to art and nature and welcome not only artists and parents but also art enthusiasts, musicians, and individuals seeking a healthy lifestyle.

I intend to collaborate with local farmers, producers, and schools to foster a mutually beneficial community and I believe this project can offer new opportunities for other like-minded individuals. It is a long-term endeavor that requires significant financial support to get started.

About Me

My name is Bara Palcik, I was born in the former Czechoslovakia, but Ireland has been my cherished home for over fifteen years. I am an artist and a single mother with a lifelong dream that I am determined to turn into reality. My journey in the arts led me to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fine Art at DIT/TU and NCAD in Dublin. Before my son was born, I took a leap of faith and moved to a small island in County Cork, where I lived and studied art intensively for over two and a half years. This period was one of the most breathtaking and transformative experiences of my life, and I am currently writing a book about it.

My artistic practice specializes in painting portraits and editing short films, and my work has been showcased at national and international film festivals and exhibitions. In addition to my creative work, I lead art workshops for children and seniors and have been volunteering at a nursing home for over two years. Despite the fulfillment I find in my work, being a self-employed single mother presents significant financial challenges, making it difficult to gather the funding needed to achieve my lifelong dream. I am reaching out to you, the reader, in hopes that my story resonates with you deeply enough to consider providing financial support to help me get closer to fulfilling my life’s purpose.

A Mother’s Vision

Growing up over thirty years ago in a country ruled by communism, life was different. Despite the political climate, I recall a wonderful childhood. I vividly remember my grandmother’s garden, where I spent my days planting, harvesting, exploring nature, and taking care of animals. Each summer, I spent several weeks outdoors, playing in the woods, building treehouses, gathering wild berries, and learning how to make and cook over a fire. We tracked animals by their footprints, slept under the open sky, and played adventure games at night. The natural world became my playground and sanctuary. Those experiences taught me the value of self-sufficiency, the beauty of nature, and the importance of community.

As a mother to my seven-year-old son, Matyas, my dream has only grown stronger. Matyas is a gentle and creative young boy who loves adventure, drawing, and writing comics. While I appreciate modern progress, I am dedicated to safeguarding the fundamental aspects of life that I believe are essential for my child: nature, animals, and community. Regrettably, life in Dublin falls short of the lifestyle I envision for him and long to return to. Last year, we were fortunate to be selected for a two-week parenting art residency in a small village surrounded by forest and farmland. This transformative experience inspired me to launch a GoFundMe campaign to create a space where artists and their children can thrive.

How You Can Help

I humbly ask for your support to help create a space where art, nature, and community come together, fostering growth and inspiration for future generations. Whether it’s a small contribution or a larger one, each amount signifies support for my vision and empowers its transformation into reality. You can also support my vision by spreading the word to others who might be interested in helping. All of the above shows that there are still people who seek and value experiences that blend nature with art, are eager to support efforts to redefine urban living, and understand the importance of raising children in a natural environment. I am fortunate to have a circle of reliable friends who are willing to provide small financial contributions and physical help during the initial stages, but I need your help to make this dream a reality. I am also fully aware of the effort required to take the initial steps and sustain the pursuit of my dream. Nevertheless, I cannot imagine not writing these words and reaching out for help.

Writing this letter took a lot of personal courage. I drew inspiration from one of my favorite artists, Charlie Mackesy, and his book, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.” A quote from this book resonates deeply with me.

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?“ asked the boy.

„Help,“ said the horse.”

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering my request. I warmly invite everyone to witness the possibilities that can unfold through their support, as I plan to document the project’s journey on social media for all to follow. Bear in mind, this place already exists on a map of Ireland, but only with your support can I turn my vision into reality.

Thank you for reading and please visit: https://gofund.me/55f71f1c