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 professor 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
SAN FRANCISCO
Winter Holiday Teen Art Portfolio Intensive!
ARC Studios and Gallery, San Francisco
Teens: Are you planning to apply to Art H.S. or College?
Build Your Art Portfolio over winter break...
Small Groups/Individual Instruction
Sign up for the day/ by the week or for the entire 7 day session..
This winter I'm offering 7 days of intensive art portfolio building at my SOMA studio. Sessions will include figure drawing, art and sketch outings, critiques, bold art challenges and more!
Drawing, painting and mixed media materials supplied
Hours: 10am-4pm
Week ONE: DEC 21, 22, 23
Week TWO: DEC 28, 29, 30, 31
*Earlybird special: REGISTER before NOV 30 "EARLY30"
NORTH BAY
Preparing an Art Portfolio: A Workshop for Teens and Parents at MARIN MOCA
Saturday NOV 21 10am-11:30
$55/members $70/non-members
Is your teen thinking about applying to art school or a college with an art program? Have you ever wondered what you should include or what pitfalls to avoid? Portfolio coach and educator
Barbara Pollak-Lewis will present a lecture that shows case studies and general tips for making your work stand out and, more importantly, tell your story. This dynamic presentation is designed for high school students ready to elevate their artwork and stand out in the college application process. The fee for the lecture includes one adult and one teen.
Barbara will also be available after the lecture for a 10 to 15-minute review of personal portfolios and sketchbooks. If you are interested, you may call or email the museum and reserve a time.
An additional fee will apply.