Our Story of Change

In September 2022, two 8th-grade students, Cal and Charlotte, showed promise in visual arts and came to Chris Babcock Art for 4 drawing lessons. They aspired to gain acceptance at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA).

Despite their financial constraints, Chris believed in their potential and decided to provide them with twice-weekly art lessons for 12 weeks free of charge. This support was crucial in helping them develop a strong portfolio required for SOTA and other private high schools.

Charlotte and Cal diligently completed three SOTA drawing assignments—a striking self-portrait, a still-life drawing, and a colored pencil still-life. To prepare for their in-person auditions, Chris instructed them to practice drawing their non-dominant hand holding various trinkets every night, strictly following audition guidelines such as using only a #2 pencil.

Thanks to their dedication, both Charlotte and Cal were accepted into SOTA, as well as their chosen private high schools. Charlotte’s emotional reaction upon receiving her acceptance letter further solidified Chris’s commitment to establishing a non-profit art school. Her goal is to foster an environment where children of all backgrounds can receive the necessary artistic training to excel in their chosen visual arts disciplines.

“Chris Babcock is an excellent art resource in San Francisco. Chris offers art classes for people ages 7 to 18. The atmosphere is fun and supportive and the prices are reasonable. I was a student in a drawing and painting class and loved it! My children, now age 10 and 12, have taken lessons since they were 7 and are now comfortable drawing and painting just about anything. Instead of television – they would rather create art!”
— Krissa B.
“Chris is AWESOME!! My son has taken several of her classes, from: one day sessions to summer camps that run a week long. My son has absolutely loved every single class. The knowledge and creativity my son has gained from joining Chris’ classes has been outstanding.Every single painting has been more impressive than the one before. We absolutely love Chris and there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe what an outstanding teacher she really is!! IF only all children were so lucky to have Chris teach them the appreciation of art and to bring out the inner artists.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Chris’ art classes, both for children and adults. In addition, the portraits she creates are the most gorgeous I have ever seen.We love, Teacher Chris!!”
— Mary E.
“Love, love, love Art with Chris! She’s a fantastic teacher, fun and makes painting totally accessible no matter what your skill or experience level is. I just finished up the Adult Fall oil-painting series which was a blast.Felt like a giddy school-kid bringing my masterpieces home to show my family. She uses top-notch materials and her sunny studio is a creative oasis. There are kids classes too and you’ll beblown away by what they produce….I caught myself salivating over their Wayne Thiebaud cupcakes and the Yoshitomo Nara studies were so sassy. Treat yourself to one of these classes. It’s so worth it!”
— Sue K.

Chris is AWESOME!! My son has taken several of her classes, from: one day sessions to summer camps that run a week long. My son has absolutely loved every single class. The knowledge and creativity my son has gained from joining Chris’ classes has been outstanding.Every single painting has been more impressive than the one before. We absolutely love Chris and there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe what an outstanding teacher she really is!! IF only all children were so lucky to have Chris teach them the appreciation of art and to bring out the inner artists.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Chris’ art classes, both for children and adults. In addition, the portraits she creates are the most gorgeous I have ever seen.We love, Teacher Chris!!—-Mary E.

My son has been taking class with Chris for years. She is an amazing teacher and is well loved by all the kids. This is no ‘arts n’ craft class’. It is solid technique taught in a very fun and straightforward way that children can easily understand. I can see my son’s skills getting stronger after every class.I highly recommend checking it out! —Marie R.

My daughter has illustrated a book under Chris’ guidance, which allowed her not only to complete original work, but mature as an illustrator. I consider Chris Babcock not only a wonderful teacher, but a mentor who trains her students with enthusiasm and joy for her discipline.

Chris is AWESOME!! My son has taken several of her classes, from: one day sessions to summer camps that run a week long. My son has absolutely loved every single class. The knowledge and creativity my son has gained from joining Chris’ classes has been outstanding.Every single painting has been more impressive than the one before. We absolutely love Chris and there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe what an outstanding teacher she really is!! IF only all children were so lucky to have Chris teach them the appreciation of art and to bring out the inner artists.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Chris’ art classes, both for children and adults. In addition, the portraits she creates are the most gorgeous I have ever seen.We love, Teacher Chris!!—-Mary E. My son has been taking class with Chris for years. She is an amazing teacher and is well loved by all the kids. This is no ‘arts n’ craft class’. It is solid technique taught in a very fun and straightforward way that children can easily understand. I can see my son’s skills getting stronger after every class.I highly recommend checking it out! —Marie R. My daughter has illustrated a book under Chris’ guidance, which allowed her not only to complete original work, but mature as an illustrator. I consider Chris Babcock not only a wonderful teacher, but a mentor who trains her students with enthusiasm and joy for her discipline.