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 wishing to apply to art high schools and colleges as well as figure drawing workshops. I work as an adjunct professor at California College of the Arts (CCA), at RISD Continuing Education (remotely) and teach graduate level workshops at Boston University. I have taught photography, painting, animation and collage workshops both in person and virtually.
I earned my BFA 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 clients included Penguin Putnam, The Gap, The Washington Post, Clear Channel, Simon & Schuster, Random House, among others.
I'm also a published children's book author. In 2002, I wrote and illustrated Our Community Garden, a picture book for toddlers.
I earned my MA in Arts Education at Boston University.
I maintain a professional painting studio and have been an exhibiting fine artist and art curator since 2016.
I am available for private art coaching and portfolio development for youth aged 11-18. Please contact me for my current rates.
2026 Winter/Spring Classes for Teens
***NOTE: All classes are in person unless indicated




All work by high school students (2024-2025)
High School Figure Drawing
SPRING: March 15 - May 10, 2026 (8 sessions, no class on EASTER) Sundays: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Course description: California College of the Arts offers this course as a special opportunity for high school students to develop their drawing skills and experience drawing from a live nude model. We'll take a deep dive into a variety of materials, techniques and approaches. Self expression is encouraged!
2026 Summer Classes for Teens
NEW! EAST BAY: I'll be offering 2 Summer intensive camps for young artists at Colorspace Arts Studio in El Cerrito, CA
June 22-26: Teens age 8-14
July 27-August 7: TEENS age 14-18
NEW! San Francisco: JULY 6-24
I'll be offering a summer intensive 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.
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