ABOVE: Mali, age 10, Hibiscus, acrylic paint on canvas. Mali used the ARTIFY FAN BRUSH the PRINCETON CHISEL BRUSH and theARTIFY LONG and SHORT LINER BRUSH to create the many different kinds of paint strokes you see in her painting.
BELOW: Benji Au, age 11, Leopard Shark, cardboard base and rib cage structure cut with ChompSaw, attached with hot glue gun, stuffed with tissue paper, sealed with masking tape. Finished with three layers of bamboo paper mache and acrylic paint.
Custom Afterschool Art Studio
Location: 5907 California St. @ 21st Ave., SF, CA 94121
Students may bring a snack and a water. NO SUGAR ALLOWED!
FOOD THAT POISONS PUGS IS NOT ALLOWED: No peanut butter, NO chocolate, NO avocados, NO grapes, and NO raisins (our emotional support pugs Tulip, Bubbie and Vincey who weigh only 15 to 18 lbs. will die if they eat even a bite of these food items!
Wear: Old clothes and old shoes — acrylics stain. Kids can change in the bathroom into old clothes. Wear cozy socks! Kids take off their shoes when they walk in.
NEW and IMPORTANT Age limit: only for ages 8–18 (NO children under 8, or “about to turn 8” allowed.)
Why not 7-year-olds and younger? Our world class collegiate art lessons require sustained attention and following multi-step instructions usually seen at 8+. Our art students receive collegiate style customized lessons teaching perspective, realistic and impressionistic rendering, anatomy, composition, and color theory among many other complex painting, drawing, weaving and needle felting techniques.
Days and Hours:
Sundays: 12:30–4:30 PM
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays: 3–6 PM
Wednesdays: 2–6 PM
Thursdays: 3–6 PM
Fridays: 3 to 6 pm
Saturdays: CLOSED
Flexible start times to choose from for your child’s art lesson: 3:00–4:30, 3:30–5:00, 4:00–5:30, 4:30–6:00. (Also applies to Wednesdays 2–6 PM.)
MISSED CLASS & MAKE-UP POLICY
Each student may miss 1 class per every 4 lessons. Make-ups must be done during the same session, except if you miss the last class — then you can make it up the following week. Call Chris to book make-ups. No drop-in make-ups. Schedule at least 24 hours in advance.Custom After School Studio now available as a subscription!
Standard Tuition for 4 classes per month is $269, however with our subscription option it is $196.
For months with 5 weeks (a 5th class) the fifth week can be used as the following:
A make up class. (1 make up per billing session)
A 5th additional lesson ($49 fee)
A one week break from class
Make-up Policy
Each student is eligible for up to 1 scheduled make-up class per month during the school year. The make-up class must be completed within the 4 week session on another day of the school week (Tuesday through Friday) and Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a class, please contact us no later than noon the day before the absence.
Please write arrival time on your registration form for the Custom Afternoon Art Studio what session you will be attending. Flexible start times to choose from for your child’s art lesson: 3:00–4:30, 3:30–5:00, 4:00–5:30, 4:30–6:00. (Also applies to Wednesdays 2–6 PM.)
Session Dates:
Session 1 Sept. 15 – Oct. 11, 2026
Session 2 Oct. 13 – Nov. 8, 2026
Session 3 Nov. 10 – Dec. 6, 2026
Session 4 Dec. 8 – Jan. 3, 2027
Session 5 Jan. 5 – Jan. 31, 2027
Session 6 Feb. 2 – Feb. 28, 2027
Session 7 March 2 – March 28, 2027
Session 8 March 30 – April 25, 2027
Session 9 April 27 – May 23, 2027
Custom After-School Art Studio: PAINTING, WEAVING, SCULPTURE, DRAWING
We are a nonprofit art studio for youth, dedicated to fostering creativity and growth. We prioritize emotional and psychological safety and overall well‑being in every class. We teach drawing, painting weaving and sculpture to kids in a supportive, playful environment. Students are encouraged to choose their own imagery or develop their own creative ideas and are guided to learn how to develop both technique and creativity Give your child a creative space where they choose what to make, learn real drawing and painting skills, and feel safe, supported, and seen.
At Chris Babcock Art Prep, our nonprofit art studio helps kids discover their artistic voice through after-school classes, week-long summer camps, and short special workshops. We teach drawing and painting with patient, experienced instructors who meet each child where they are — whether they’re picking up a pencil for the first time or polishing a portfolio piece. We encourage our students to develop a lifelong practice of art: the arc of practice is about learning how to slow down and enjoy your wizard brain! To do this you have to tell you lizard brain to take a nice little nap!
Why families love us
Child-led creativity: Students select their own imagery so projects reflect their interests and grow their confidence.
Skill-based instruction: We teach techniques step-by-step, so kids learn to translate what they see and imagine into strong, expressive work.
Emotional safety first: Our programs prioritize psychological and emotional well-being — welcoming studio culture, clear boundaries, and gentle feedback create a space where kids can take creative risks.
Flexible options: After-school classes for regular practice, immersive week-long summer camps, and 1–5 day workshops for busy schedules or special themes.
Nonprofit mission: Every class supports our commitment to accessible art education for youth.
What kids gain
Better drawing and painting skills
Stronger self-expression and confidence
Focus, patience, and creative problem-solving
Real artwork they’re proud to show
Enroll now to give your child a joyful, skill-building art experience where their ideas matter. Space is limited—reserve a spot for after-school classes, summer camp, or a short workshop today and watch their creativity bloom!
This art student learned how to use the new weaving tool called the BOOMLOOM BOSS we offer our students who are interested in weaving original images using any of the four pattern bars; diamond bar, twill bar, plain weave bar or the krokbragd bar.
Ages: ages 8 to 18 for weaving and sculpting, ages 8 to 18 for painting and drawing
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate and advanced
Length: Each session is one 1.5-hour lesson once a week for 4 weeks
Tuition covers all professional-grade materials your young artist will need to bring their creations to life. We provide a comprehensive toolkit for every discipline:
Subscription & Make-Up Policy
Weekly Class: Your subscription guarantees one class per week on your chosen day.
3-Class Months: For months with only 3 scheduled classes, we offer a complimentary make-up week.
To Reserve: To reserve your make-up date, text Chris babcock at 451-745-5301 Contact us if you need to schedule an alternative date.
Standard Make-ups: Students are allowed one make-up class per monthly session, which must be used within that session.
Make-up Day: Sundays, from 1 PM to 5:00 PM.
Need Help? Text us your child's age, and we can send you project examples that are a perfect fit.
How to Prepare for your Child’s Art Class
To ensure your young artist has a productive and inspiring experience from day one, please follow these simple steps based on their chosen discipline.
Project Preparation by Discipline
For Painting & Sculpture Projects
Please submit your child's project idea and chosen medium at least 5 days before the first class.
Text a clear image of their subject to 415-745-5301.
In the text, please specify the materials they wish to use (e.g., acrylics vs. oils for painting; cardboard, or wire paper mache sculpture).
Example Ideas: A self-portrait or favorite animal (painting), or a shark made from cardboard and paper-mâché (sculpture).
For Weaving Projects
No advance preparation or supplies are needed.
Students will design their weaving project in the studio during their first class, after the instructor assesses their skill level.
For Still Life Drawing or Painting
Students are welcome to bring a small, beloved object from home to observe and create from.
Please ensure it is an object that can be safely left at the studio for the duration of the project.
Image Complexity for Drawing & Painting
For 4-Week Sessions (6.5 hours)
Choose an image with moderate detail that is challenging enough to be completed within the session.
Examples: A pet's face, a detailed drawing of the student’s eyes, a favorite character.
For Year-Long Study
More complex and detailed images are highly encouraged to provide a sustained challenge and foster deeper skill development.
Studio Communication
The most direct and reliable way to reach us for all communications is by texting 415-745-5301.
Canvas Selection
Canvas Options:
Rectangle: 11x14, 9x12, or 8x10 inches
Square: 12x12 inches
Shaped: Circle. Heart, or Oval (approx. 10 inches)
Important: Please ensure your child's chosen image matches the shape of their canvas for the best artistic result.