Barbara Pollak-Lewis
ART EDUCATOR/ PAINTER /CURATOR
Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to my art educator website. I have worn many hats as an artist.
As an Arts Educator, I've taught classes to kids and adults of all ages. I currently teach Portfolio Development classes for teens applying to art high schools and colleges as well as figure drawing workshops for ages 12-adult at various studios around San Francisco Bay Area. I currently work at RISD Continuing Education (remotely) and teach graduate level workshops to adults at Boston University. I was a faculty member at California College of the Arts (CCA) and have taught Pre-College and Extension classes to teens. I teach photography, painting, animation, digital tools, stop-motion animation and collage workshops both in person and virtually. I am working towards running my own arts atelier in San Francisco. Stay Tuned for the launch of Atlas Atelier in FALL 2026...
My Education: I earned my BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, where I focused on Film/Animation, Painting & Photography. For over 25 years I worked as staff artist, freelance Illustrator and art director. My clients included Penguin Putnam, The Gap, The Washington Post, Clear Channel, Simon & Schuster, Seventeen Magazine and Random House.
I completed my Masters in Arts Education at Boston University.
I maintain a professional art studio in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA neighborhood. Since 2016, I have been an exhibiting fine artist and curator.
Available! I am available for private and semi-private art coaching and portfolio development for youth aged 11-18. Please contact me for my current rates.
2026 Fall Classes
NEW! COMING SOON!
SAN FRANCISCO
Teen Portfolio Development at The Dogpatch HUB
Ages 13-18
Saturdays 11am-12:30
Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:15pm
EAST BAY
Teen Figure Drawing Studio at Colorspace Arts, El Cerrito
6 week course for teens, age 13-18
Starts Sunday, September 14 1pm-4pm
Drop in or sign up for all 6 weeks
In this introductory class, students will dive into the basics of figure drawing, practicing quick gestural poses leading up to longer, more detailed work. Over the course of six weeks, students will learn how to construct a simplified figure, draw folds as well as basic anatomy, and add shading to create a sense of light and shadow.
We'll also experiment with various materials such as charcoal, pastel and ink for different approaches to capturing the figure.
Models will be clothed in leotards/bodysuits or simple costumes.
2026 Summer Classes for Teens
***NOTE: All classes are in person unless indicated




All work by high school students (2024-2025)
SAN FRANCISCO
Summer Teen Art Portfolio Dev. Studio
JULY 6-24 M-F 10am-3pm
I'm offering a summer intensive portfolio development art course for a small group of TEENS age 13-18 at my SOMA private art studio with a 1, 2 or 3 week option.
NOTE: WEEK 1 and 3 are now FULL!!
Each week will include:
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Individualized projects and instruction to create portfolio-worthy work
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Figure drawing with live models
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Field trips to local galleries, museums and studio visits
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Student led-critiques and art discussions
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Daily sketchbook challenges
EAST BAY: I'm offering 2 Summer camps for young artists at Colorspace Arts Studio in El Cerrito, CA
June 22-26: Young Artists Studio age 8-14
July 27-August 7: Teen Portfolio Development age 14-18
There is still space left in this camp!