When Susie Jo Fox enrolled at Sheldon's Art Academy she hoped to pick up some new drawing techniques. She wasn't quite prepared for what she encountered with husband-and-wife team Sheldon and Robyn Borenstein, who own and operate the Oak Park school.

"Coming here was like being adopted into Sheldon's family," said Fox, 20, who's been a student at the academy for the past year. "Being around Sheldon, you absorb his talent, his energy and his passion. You can tell he really loves kids. Robyn's great as well; she does the business stuff and keeps us all on track."

After a year at Sheldon's Art Academy, Fox—who had been taking science classes at Moorpark College—changed her major to art. With Sheldon Borenstein's help, she also assembled a portfolio of her best drawings and brushed up on her interviewing skills, helping her to be accepted to the fine arts programs at both San Jose State University (where Borenstein is an adjunct professor) and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

For the past two years Borenstein has helped many of his students package their work and themselves professionally, apply to colleges and nail a spot in the incoming class.

"I always tell my students that they shouldn't wait too long to put a portfolio together," Borenstein said. "Everyone who wants to go into the arts should have one ready to show at all times. And it's worked: In our most recent graduating class, not only have 100 percent of our students gotten into college, they've gotten into the college of their choice."

Those choices include the Parsons School of Design, Ringling College of Art and Design, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Otis College of Art & Design, Laguna Art Institute and San Jose State University.

Borenstein worked more than 30 years as a master draftsman and as a lead animator on feature films and TV programs.

"I used to be on the back end, hiring the kids from all of the art schools," he said. "Now I'm on the front end, trying to get people into the schools. So I've based my portfolio program around what my students will need when they apply."

Borenstein said the program, which is open to children and adults, focuses on the "core fundamentals": figure drawing, perspective, composition and painting.

Borenstein is eager to continue sharing his three decades of expertise with his students. He encourages them to contact him for extra coaching outside of class time and hopes he can help shape their future career choices.

"What an honor it is to be able to work with and guide the next generation of artists," Borenstein said. "They know I'm available to them seven days a week and that they're loved and cared for. Every one of them is absolutely amazing."

For more information about Sheldon's Art Academy, call (818) 706-9444 or visit www.sheldonsartacademy.com.