My daughter first attended a summer session at Chris Babcock Art Prep and loved it. I signed her up for after school classes and her drawing skills have really taken off. Chris has really guided her and taught her skills that she hasn't learned at her previous art schools. Chris Babcock Art Prep is a gem of a school and you won't be disappointed if you send your child here. read more

Chris Babcock Art Prep - Summer Camps Near Me - San Francisco, California

My kids loved her summer camps. They also created amazing art from it. They attended when they were ages 7, 8, and 9. Chris has an amazing talent to bring the best out of kids when it comes to art. read more

Chris Babcock Art Prep - By my older daughter who painted this at her camp when she was 9. - Summer Camps Near Me - San Francisco, California

As it is SF summer camp sign up season again, my daughter (9) reminded me that she does not want to ever do a camp with Chris Babcock again for reasons that I thought might be helpful to share with other parents considering this camp: 1. The focus at this camp is to create an amazing painting for kids to bring home and wow their parents and for parents to put on the wall and marvel at their budding art prodigy. The catch is that the kids don't actually do the art - it gets significantly "touched up" by Chris and her assistants. My daughter had been so proud of her painting until Chris told her it was "the wrong color" and "fixed" it so much that it no longer felt like her own and she threw it in the garage when we got home. 2. Chris herself is pretty gruff which, for a sensitive kid, can be pretty off putting. An assistant told my daughter to go wash her brushes but when she did Chris yelled at her "What are doing here?! Go sit down!" And wouldn't let her explain. She also clearly has favorites so the inconsistent treatment of children can be confusing. 3. My daughter and her friend still talk about how Chris's adult daughter came to the studio one day while she was sick with a fever and the kids were told they had to be silent because she had a headache. There are just so many questions here but let's stick to the basic one - why are you allowing an un-camp-affiliated adult with an infectious illness into a space full of children, especially post covid? 4. Parents have to drop off at the door and aren't allowed into the studio. I can see the practical logistical reasons for this but there is literally a split door blocking you out. I just always find this unnerving with any activity for a less than 12 year old. I imagine Chris means well and while this camp may work for some kids it did not for mine. If your kid is pretty easy going and you just need a week of childcare this camp will probably be fine. The following week my daughter did art camp at Creative IQ and LOVED it. They taught her art techniques which she still uses on her own, she made tons of paintings she is SO proud of, and she felt seen and heard. read more

My 7 year old did a week camp with Chris and her crew and she had a great time and she produced a great painting ( with instruction from Chris) not only did my daughter learn a new painting technique she learned some independence. She got to manage her own time. Chris provides a creative loving environment which allows the right amount of freedom. The pugs make great studio company and the free time at the park helped keep the wiggles at bay. I would 100% recommend this camp to any parent. We'll be back next year. Thanks for all that you do for our community Chris! read more

Chris Babcock Art Prep - Daisy the frenchy #muse. 1 week of work! - Summer Camps Near Me - San Francisco, California

Chris, the right thing to do is to be honest, reflect on how you are communicating with kids and to apologize, not blame other people. The things I described were accurate. Multiple children heard you instructing them to clean up after your animals and one of them actually did; that's not up for debate. read more

I'm giving five stars because my son thoroughly enjoyed his series and was able to bring home not just one painting but two, as well as a large drawing. Be advised that quite a bit of help is given to the child -- the sketch of the painting is done for them, and they color it in. So it isn't entirely your child's work. I was unaware of this when I signed him up. read more

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Our daughter absolutely adores Chris Babcock. She just finished a week of camp there and stated that it was "the best camp she's ever been to". I was so impressed by how happy and content she came home at the end of each day, unlike other camps. The counselor to student ratio is fantastic and I really appreciated the fact that the children got outside time at a local park for at least an hour each day. Not only did my daughter thrive at this camp but she also came home with a portfolio of beautiful art at the end of the week - I was absolutely floored by the quality of what she made and she is so proud of everything she accomplished. A total win / win in every way! This camp is worth every penny. read more

Chris Babcock Art Prep - This is just a portion of what my daughter painted this week! Amazing. She is so proud of her work and had so much fun! - Summer Camps Near Me - San Francisco, California

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! read more

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Wonderful space for kids to learn. Four to one student teacher ratio gives lots of attention for growth. Showers their students with love.

We had a fantastic time in the art studio. The teacher was friendly and talented. I look forward to bringing more friends to make more art. I wish I could give the teacher and the studio more stars, but five is the limit. read more

Chris Babcock's art camp was my daughter's absolute favorite camp of the summer! We we amazed at the beautiful artwork our 6.5 year old created. The instruction she received from Chris was priceless and the materials used were all professional quality. We will definitely be sending our kids back for more, well worth the price. read more

My 4th-grade daughter and 6th-grade son have been taking Chris Babcock's art classes, one-day workshops, and summer camps for several years now and I can't recommend her programs enough. They are fabulous! In addition, I have taken her adult painting workshops with my girlfriends and had such a great time. In Chris's classes my kids create gorgeous paintings, have fun doing it, and come home with great "Chris anecdotes and stories" (her larger-than-life personality is one of the absolute best). They learn about master painters and influential works of art, all while stretching the right-brain and having a good time doing it. It's relaxing and engaging for them at the same time. It's the first thing they want to do when school lets out for the summer. I proudly display their paintings on a gallery wall in my house and I think it's such a self-esteem boost for them to see their art work displayed. I highly recommend her programs! read more

I can personally state that Chris Babcock studio is such a great find in San Francisco. I have 3 young children and they all have unique experiences with Ms Babcock. My boys who attend Stuart Hall are memorized by her character and her painting skills. They have attended her art camps which are week long and also her captivating one day art workshops. We even love her weekend workshops and get the entire family painting together! This review doesn't stop there either! If you want a night out away from the kiddos Chris Babcock is the place to be. I have personally been to 3 of her one night adult only workshops. We are able to bring in snacks and spirits while we paint and it's a great night of learning a new craft and reconnecting with friends. I have even brought friends who have never held a paint brush and they had a super time. Best part about going to Chris Babcock for my children is that she lets them paint what they are interested in, my children can't wait to return very soon! "She's an amazing art teacher." Owen, age 9 read more

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Chris Babcock -- or as my daughter fondly refers to her as "Teacher Chrissy" -- runs a wonderful art studio in my neighborhood, the Richmond district of San Francisco. As soon as I walked by her studio, I knew immediately that I wanted my daughter to learn how to paint with her. Two years and 19 masterful paintings later, my now six-year old will begin a portrait-study workshop with Chris in a couple of weeks. Aside from getting my daughter's gorgeous works framed as quickly as she creates them, we are nothing short of thrilled with Chris Babcock. During class, which meets after-school, Chris instructs kids on how to sketch and paint -- always using professional-quality acrylics and water-soluble oils. The results are nothing short of eye-popping! For my daughter's first project, she painted a Pop art depiction based on Wayne Thiebuad's 1963 "Girl with Ice Cream Cone;" Chris even showed her how to safely use a painting knife to create the creamy texture of an ice-cream cone. Amazing! For her fifth birthday, we had a wonderful art party at Chris's studio -- during which my daughter's friends enjoyed cake and step-by-step instructions on creating a portrait of Kermit the Frog. We had so much fun! Chris understands children, she's passionate about art, and she's convinced that anyone can learn how to paint and draw beautifully. read more

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My son has been taking classes and camps there for many years. He's loved them. Some of his pieces are amazingly good for an elementary school student. We've framed them and guests are often impressed. read more

I am elated to recommend CB Art classes to anyone, including parents, who do not think it, even closely related, to above PAR in art mediocrity...I know by seeing with my own keen eyes, possibly and probably, close to an art explored with LOVE and CHARACTERIZED compassion for students, Chris identifies and clearly sees the artist in all students, from the cradle to the grave, bringing out the visionary steadfastness in all...I am excited for the next artistic adventure with CB Art!!!! We love Chris and all her expertise along with professional enthusiastic love of ART!!! We love you and your classes to teach us all truth, beauty and love! Natalia Stingley and family read more

Our son has been a patron of Chris' camps for years, and proudly displays and rotates his framed artwork in his room. The camps are a nice balance of challenge, camaraderie, and chill-time, and a good foil to his usual sports-focused routine. read more

We have been sending our kiddo to Chris Babcock workshops and summer camps for the last 5 years and can not say enough positive things about our experience. The Babcock program increases children's confidence in their artistic abilities and allows them to interact with children from other schools across the Bay Area. Our kiddo always comes home reporting she has a new best friend. Chris has an incredible pulse on what is trending in the kid world and chooses art projects kids get excited about. The finished product is always vibrant and beautiful. We have also created family keepsake portraits with Chris and commissioned her to support us in a milestone birthday project for her father that he will cherish forever. Chris is very kind, engaging and enthusiastic. She makes the kids feel loved and our student always asks to return. I asked her what her favorite thing was about Babcock and she said " oh man, it's a lot!" But was able to narrow it down to "She's nice" and "She teaches really good art" Our student really feels part of the Babcock scene and hopes to be a student helper when she is old enough. It is fun to watch her feel so empowered. read more

Chris Babcock is an excellent art resource in San Francisco. Chris offers art classes for people ages 3-103! 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! Thanks Chris! read more

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 be blown 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! read more

I was looking for an art studio for my timid middle school son. I read some of the reviews about Chris Babcock Studio; some were awesome, others were not so good. I decided to go in person and meet her. I'm so glad I did. Chris is great! She is very personable and has a great sense of humor which is why I feel the children feel so comfortable around her. She is very welcoming and has helped my son feel at ease, learn new techniques in painting and also learn about different artists' styles. My son now loves to paint, isn't afraid to give it a try and feels super proud of his artwork. I thank Chris Babcock for that! Having fun and learning. I couldn't be happier! read more

Chris's Art Studio is a magical place, and Chris is a bit of a magician as well as an amazing art teacher. I have heard wonderful things about Chris and her approach to children's art for a long time. She has taught after school art classes at French American, my girl's school, and many families rave about her and display their children's art made through Chris's instruction on their walls at home. But it was the first time my daughter did a one day workshop with Chris a little over a year ago that made Chris's Studio one of our favorite destinations. Since that first visit, we have done every weekend and holiday workshop we could make. The best holiday and birthday presents that my daughter has made to various family and friends is the gorgeous art that she created in these workshops. She has also begged to do an eight week class and chose one that focused on mother & baby animal portraits. The three painting she produced during those eight weeks are beautiful and poignant. Early in the year, she started asking to have her birthday party at the studio. She wanted this so much that she said the party at Chris's could be the birthday present we give her this year because there was nothing she wanted more than that. So we agreed, and were delighted with how that worked out. It was wonderful party, and every girl created her own masterpiece that became a memento of the event. And Chris took care of everything, including a cake with the image of what the girls drew and party favors with the same theme:) Naturally, my daughter insisted on attending art camp Chris runs this summer, and love it. She not only finds her inspiration and outlet for her creativity at Chris's, but also her zen and her source of inner confidence. We love Chris and her studio and look forward to enjoying more of her art work made with Chris's guidance over next year! read more

I have recently taken two one night painting classes and was very impressed. Let's just say that the look on my husbands face when he asked "YOU painted that" solidifies that painting is not a natural talent I possess. :) Chris explained just enough so the class felt confident in trying their hand in some painting magic. It was fun and everyone was so proud of themselves with what they had created. I would highly recommend one of Chris' classes! read more

Wow! Our experience well exceeded our already high expectations! My daughter's already existing enthusiasm for art had been waning upon entering Kindergarten, with vocal comparisons of art skills around her abounding ... One summer camp rebuilt her confidence beautifully. She proclaimed after the first day "Mama, I painted like I have NEVER painted before!" And after the last day, she spontaneously and enthusiastically organized her own museum exhibit at home, complete with painting labels, museum signs, and invitations. A dream experience guided by a masterful instructor ... and you never know, you might just be giving your kids far more than you can ever imagine. read more

I attended a one night adult art workshop. And it was absolutely fabulous! Chris was very accommodating as the group were novice painters. We the painted beautiful 'starry night', mine is hanging in my house. I really enjoyed the personal atmosphere and definitely recommend the class for a fun paint night with friends. read more

I had no painting experience and Chris made me feel at ease. She even accommodated my special request to paint Munch's Scream, and with her help it turned out to be less of a train wreck than I'd anticipated. It was fun, relaxing, and I'd recommend you give it a shot! read more

For some reason the kids don't seem to mind Chris' gruff demeanor, but as a parent I find her rudeness unnecessary. Got to admit the kids produced some pretty neat art - maybe she's just the art version of one of those ol' piss-and-vinegar coaches that manage to bring out the best in their players with nary a kind word. read more

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!! read more

I pay for summer camps to deliver an experience that is beyond my scope as a parent. We go outside all the time and do art at home. My three kids rate Chris Babcock art as their favorite camp because it is a unique experience that takes them to the "next level" in their self-perception of their artistic selves. My three kids know they rock art because their own art is haning framed in their rooms. The formalized instruction is a platform they now jump from to their new projects, and Chris takes kids next level with a hearty laugh, high expectations, and a sense of "you can do" beautiful work. However, as a parent you do walk out of Chris Babcock Art with a problem set similar to that in the children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. If you give your kids Chris Babcock Art, they are proud and want to frame and display their art. If they want to frame their art, you end up at Cheap Pete's and you learn use math to measure for DIY framing. If your kid has framed their own art, they want displayed in the living room. If it is all in the living room, and Grandma comes over, then she wants a copy, If Grandma needs a copy, then you digitally copy the art to make stationary and art gifts. If your kids are gifting people with art, they feel like legitmate artists and want to enter Blick's art contest. If they enter Blick's art contest, and win $5 they will give you the $5 and ask to use it to go back to Chris Babcock's Art. Whew... read more

Chris responded with a canned robot email, yet offered a free class for my kid. We don't need expensive stressed teachers. Get that enough with SFUSD. Thanks but no thanks. read more

What a fantastic art class. My 6.5 yr old daughter attended the summer camp this year and absolutely loved it. We were blown away by what she created and our daughter was so proud! Chris is amazing how she keeps every one so organized while instructing, being heard all while having fun. A definite must if you are considering! read more

We love love Chris Babcock Art! My Son just did a summer session and he absolutely loved it and came home with 3 impressive fun bright paintings that we will frame. We are looking forward to introducing her art sessions to my Son's school for the other kids and parents to enjoy! read more

My daughter has a lot of natural artistic ability and was extremely bored at this camp. After 2 days she begged me not to return All the children churn out identical paintings that are almost like paint by numbers. If a child makes an error one of the teenage counselors fixes it. It is like a factory. There is little individuality in the mix. They tell you which lines to draw and which colors to use. If your kid isn't natually gifted in art, then maybe producing high quality looking paintings will enhance their self esteem, but for my daughter, she thought she would learn actual artistic skills and create original compositions and was very disappointed. When they weren't producing formulaic paintings they sat at tables free-drawing and talking for many hours and my child felt that there wasn't enough structure or instruction to be interesting. read more

My daughter took Chris' art camp this summer for a week and loved it. Chris' approach is different from many art work shops and trains children to really 'see' what they are painting which is great. She produced some beautful pieces that she's so proud of. read more

My 6 and 8 year old daughters have loved their weeks of Chris Babcock summer camp and after school classes. It is true that they come out of each session with beautiful pieces of art, but more importantly I feel like they learn about what it is to be an artist, how to use real art supplies, and how to take ownership of and pride in their work. Chris has a wonderful way about her, and the girls always ask to go back each summer. read more

Though i have to say that the kids were delighted with the classes, as a parent, the experience was really not all that great. The "welcoming message" was all about picking our kids on time else we'd be charged $1/min. While i understand boundaries must be set, it should not be the main message from the get-go. It does not make me want to sign up my kids again. I just don't want that type of hassle/stress when I pay for a service. My advice, do what you are good at which is teach art to kids and let someone else handle the admin stuff. read more

My kid is a long-time devotee of Chris and her art classes, her awesome daughter and the studio pet. Chris connects with the kids on a level that makes them doggedly proud of their work. That's a primary goal made real. Chris is hysterical and kind, the magic combo to lead a person further down the right path. The kids up their game around Chris, they are funnier, more focused, and they are led into patience. This is part of the process. The art the kids make in the end will be, arguably, some of their proudest accomplishments, but it's work. It's a lot of work. Art can be frustrating, like any job, like school itself, because you are laying your soul to bear on the page. No one has more reverence for that soul than Chris. Your kid is in the safest place they could be on every level. Chris Babcock Art earns my HIGHEST REVIEW and DEEPEST RESPECT. read more

My daughter has been taking after school art classes at Chris's in the past year as well as one day workshops. She absolutely loves going to Chris's studio and is very proud of her masterpieces. She had given them as presents to our family members. Chris is a great teacher and she inspires kids to do their best. read more

My 7 1/2 year old daughter rates Chris Babcock's Art Camp as #1 on her list of camps. She went in with a love of drawing and left very inspired by Chris and more confident in her own abilities. At the end of the week she had produced three beautiful works of art that she was clearly very proud of - all of which are framed and hanging prominently in our home! read more

The quality of Chris' caring and professional instruction is evident in our daughter's unbelievable artwork. In the week (summer session) she was there, our child learned many techniques and perspectives that she uses to this day and now even on different media. We look forward to returning for future sessions (spring, winter) and feel that Chris' camp is money well-spent. read more