This is what your 8-11 year old will experience for their studio readiness audition

 Welcome and conversation — 5 minutes
Parents and child get to know the studio, then parent takes a 30 minute recess (Bazaar cafe is 2 doors up!)

Ask what the student enjoys making and what they want to learn.

  1. Independent warm-up — 5 minutes
    Your child will choose something simple to draw. This helps them settle in.

  2. Guided art exercise — 20 minutes
    Your child will get a manageable observational art exercise and be taught one unfamiliar technique and asked to try it.

  3. Cleanup and reflection — 5 minutes
    Your child will help clean up their materials and workspace then discuss their work and what they learned.

To schedule your child’s audition text Chris @ 415.745.5301 Time choices are: Sundays from 10am to 12:30pm or from 6pm to 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If none of these times work, Chris can discuss other options with you.

Why We Are Introducing Studio Readiness Audition for Ages 8–11

Our classes provide serious, collegiate-style instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, and weaving. Students receive individualized guidance, learn multi-step techniques, revise their work, solve creative problems, and remain engaged with projects over time.

This kind of studio environment works best when every student personally wants to be here.

The audition helps us determine whether a young artist is ready to participate with focus, curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to hone their skills. It also gives the student and family an opportunity to meet us, see the studio, and decide whether Chris Babcock Art Prep feels like the right fit.

The audition is not a test of perfection or talent.

Applicants are not expected to already draw realistically, understand color theory, or have a finished portfolio. We are looking for motivation and readiness—not advanced technical ability.

During the audition, we want to learn:

  • Does the student personally want formal art instruction?

  • Are they curious about learning new techniques?

  • Can they listen to and independantly apply the step-by-step guidance given to them?

  • Are they willing to practice, revise, and learn from mistakes?

  • Can they work respectfully in a focused studio shared with other artists?

  • Are they excited to develop their own ideas and artistic voice?

Students may bring one to three examples of artwork they enjoyed making. Finished, polished pieces are not required. Sketches, experiments, works in progress, and personal projects are welcome.

Please request an audition only if your child has personally expressed a desire to study art and become a stronger artist.