Barbara Pollak-Lewis
ART EDUCATOR/ PAINTER /CURATOR
Hello and Welcome!
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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.
During the 2020 lockdown, I earned my MA in Arts Education at Boston University.
I maintain a separate 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.
2025 Spring Classes at CCA!
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All work by high school students (2024)
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High School Students! Take your work to the next level this spring
Starting the weekend of February 22, 2015, I'll be teaching two 8-week classes at CCA (California College of the Arts) on the San Francisco campus. Click the links to read the descriptions and sign up!
Tuesday night class series at San Francisco Public Library:
Starting April 8th, I will be teaching a FREE 7-week Portfolio Development drawing class for teens from 5-6pm. Weekly classes incorporate observations from life and use a variety of materials including charcoal, graphite, India ink, pastel and more...