Barbara Pollak-Lewis

Welcome to my art educator website. I have worn many hats as an artist.

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My background: I have a B.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design, where I focused on Film/Animation, Painting & Photography. For 25+ years I worked as staff artist and a freelance illustrator, specializing in editorial and publishing work. My numerous clients have included Penguin Putnam, The Gap, The Washington Post, Clear Channel/Bill Graham, Simon & Schuster and Random House. I'm also a published children's book author. In 2002, I wrote and illustrated Our Community Garden, a picture book for toddlers.

 

As an Arts Educator, I've taught classes to kids and adults of all ages. I currently teach portfolio development classes for teens wishing to apply to art high schools and colleges. I also teach digital photography, stop motion animation and collage workshops. I have worked as a Teaching Artist at the San Francisco Public Library, as an after school Recreation Leader, a Private art coach and an adjunct professor at several local SF Bay Area colleges including California College of the Arts (CCA).

 

During the 2020 pandemic, I earned my Masters in Arts Education at Boston University.

I maintain a separate painting studio and have been an exhibiting fine artist and art curator since 2016.