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. I currently work at California College of the Arts (CCA), at RISD Continuing Education (remotely) and teach graduate level workshops to adults at Boston University. I have taught 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!
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 Spring Workshops

NEW! Memorial Day Block Printing Workshop Ages 13-18 at Colorspace Arts
May 25th 10am-1pm
Discover the magic of block printing in this hands-on, 3-hour workshop designed especially for teens ages 13–18. Get ready to carve, stamp, and create. Learn how to carve your own printing block, roll on ink, and bring your drawings and patterns to life on paper and fabric.
2026 Summer Classes for Teens
***NOTE: All classes are in person unless indicated




All work by high school students (2024-2025)
NEW! SAN FRANCISCO
Summer Teen Art Portfolio Dev. Studio
JULY 6-24 M-F 10am-3pm
I'll be offering a summer intensive portfolio development 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.
NOTE: WEEK 1 is now FULL!!
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
NEW! EAST BAY: I'll be offering 2 Summer camps for young artists at Colorspace Arts Studio in El Cerrito, CA
June 22-26: Young Artists Studio age 8-14
July 27-August 7: Teen Portfolio Development age 14-18