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
SAN FRANCISCO
Teen Art Portfolio Development at The Dogpatch HUB
Teens and Tweens! Express Your Creativity
and Build Your Art Portfolio @ the Hub
Art Portfolio Lab • Ages 13–19 • Saturdays, Sept. 12 to Nov. 7
Individual $450, Neighbor $350
Does your teen or tween love to make art? This fall, I am running two creative workshop series for teens and 'tweens looking to experiment and grow as artists.
In the 8-week Tuesday series, 'tweens will dive into a range of mediums culminating in a fun, unique personal project.
For teens ready to go deeper, the 8-week Saturday series focuses on building a visual art portfolio that covers the fundamentals of drawing, seeing, and observing.
Whether your teen wants to explore new mediums or build a portfolio they're proud of, both series offer a welcoming space to make friends and bring their ideas to life.
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
$360/6 week series, $60/drop in
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.
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.