Chris Babcock, Founder
Chris Babcock is a multifaceted individual—a published children’s book author, illustrator, professional portrait painter, art instructor, and parent to her adult child, Mookie.
While attending The School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1991, Chris achieved a significant milestone by selling her children’s book titled No Moon, No Milk! to Random House and Scholastic. Since its international release in 1993, No Moon, No Milk! has sold over a million copies and was honored as one of the top ten children’s books by the New York Times.
Using royalties from No Moon, No Milk! starting in 1996, Chris launched her painting and drawing instruction as well as commissioned portrait businesses. Over the years, she refined her teaching methods at several schools, including Pioneer Montessori in Sun Valley, Idaho; Rio Grande School in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Convent and Stuart Hall Sacred Heart Schools in San Francisco, CA; The French American International School in San Francisco, CA; St. Joseph’s Sacred Heart School in Atherton, CA; Marin Montessori in Corte Madera, CA; and Ross School in Ross, CA.
Through referrals from her students’ parents, Chris expanded her reach across the United States with custom portraits of children and families. In 2009, inspired by her child Mookie, Chris established her storefront art school, Chris Babcock Art, which later evolved into a non-profit organization called Chris Babcock Art Prep when Mookie turned 22.
Kristen Gundlach, Board of Directors, Secretary
Kristen Webster-Gundlach is a dancer, painter and generally multi-faceted human working at the intersection of Art, medicine and spirituality. She’s currently working as an RN in the public health sector serving the houseless, pregnant population.
Previously an MFA student at SFAI before its tragic closing, she has completed collaborative mural projects for MOMA and the Manifest Differently project in Clarion Alley, as well as serving as an Artist mentor for both Industrial Design Outreach and Artivate in SFUSD High Schools. Originally from Los Angeles, she holds dual degrees in Psychological studies and the Science of Nursing. She is completing her MFA through the California Institute of Integral Studies.