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.
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.
2026 Winter/Spring Classes for Teens
***NOTE: All classes are in person unless indicated




All work by high school students (2024-2025)
CCA Atelier Classes for High School students
2-D Portfolio Development
WINTER: January 24 - March 14, 2026 (8 sessions), Saturdays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Course Description: Take your work to the next level! This 8 week intensive workshop will sharpen your conceptual skills while you challenge yourself with drawing, painting and illustration assignments to create portfolio-worthy work. We’ll explore a variety of different mediums and techniques, from traditional to digital. Our 8 weeks will culminate in a unique assignment which will express your personal vision.
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. Students spend the first class focusing on a variety of drawing issues in anticipation of drawing from the model. All seven subsequent sessions involve drawing from a nude model.
10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT IF YOU REGISTER BY DEC 15TH!!!
USE THIS CODE: WSP26EXEARLY