2026 SPRING SCHEDULE

Sundays: 12:30–4:30 PM (closed Easter, April 5)
Mondays: CLOSED until June 8
Tuesdays: 3–6 PM
Wednesdays: 2–6 PM
Thursdays: 3–6 PM
Fridays: CLOSED until June 12
Saturdays: CLOSED all spring and summer

Flexible start times every 30 minutes. Examples: 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.

The Portfolio Building Program helps talented young artists (grades 6 and up) improve their skills and create portfolios for top private high schools, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA), Art Schools and outstanding university art programs. Classes meet twice a week (1.5 hours) for 16 weeks or once a week (3 hours) for 8 weeks. Tuition: $1,299 for eight 3-hour lessons or sixteen 1.5-hour lessons.

Students study with Chris Babcock, a San Francisco portrait artist and founder of Chris Babcock Art Prep. Over four years, every Portfolio student Chris taught was admitted to their top private school choice or to Ruth Asawa High School of the Arts. Upon request, Chris will write a recommendation letter for private school applications.

Ages: 6th grade and up . Skill level: beginning to advanced. Supplies included: Prismacolor pencils, 42 soft pastels, drawing paper, full set of sketching pencils (HB–9H), acrylics, oils, gouache, and quality multi‑media paper.

Congratulations to our four portfolio students who all got into their chosen high schools with the standout artwork they made at Chris Babcock Art Prep!

Massive Kudos to Max C. (first row of drawings above) — her three strong drawings and great audition earned her a spot in SOTA’s Fall 2026 Visual Arts Program which has a 18 % acceptance rate. Max’s work is confident and curious: bold contours, thoughtful shading, and selective detail create clear focal points. She balances space and texture so each piece breathes. Together they reveal a playful, disciplined visual voice and the technical skill that will help her thrive at SOTA.

Gigantic congratulations to Veronica G. (second row of images above) — three bold, confident pieces from Veronica won her a spot at her dream high school, SOTA. Her work shows a fearless sense of composition and a clear, personal voice that stood out in the portfolio review. We’re so proud of Veronica’s dedication and the expressive risks she took to tell her stories through art.

Huge congrats to Maya N. (third row of artwork above) — Maya earned admission to her top-choice school, CATE, the boarding school in Carpinteria, CA which has a 17 % acceptance rate. Her portfolio demonstrates impressive technical control, thoughtful color choices, and a mature artistic perspective that reflects hours of focused practice. Maya’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and the strength of her creative vision.

Big cheers for Manon S. (fourth row) — accepted to their first choice at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts in Toronto, Canada! Manon’s pieces combine sensitive observation with playful experimentation, resulting in work that’s both heartfelt and original. We can’t wait to watch her creativity flourish in such an inspiring program. We’re so proud of all our portfolio-building students for following their passions and taking this next step. Congratulations to Max, Veronica, Maya, Manon — onward to new studios and exciting creative journeys!