ARTINGALES was founded in 2016 to spread art to everyone. Our services are appropriate for anyone just starting the creative journey, professionals interested in learning new techniques or improving skills, and everyone desiring to better lives through the creative process. We have a special commitment to providing free art classes to underserved children through grants, profits, and donations. We strive to create opportunities for expression and exhibition.
Founding artist April Hoff holds an interdisciplinary degree in fine art with emphasis in painting and drawing. However, she uses various mediums for creative expression and teaching.
In addition to formal art training and professional practice, April has seven years experience working with SpEd students in Oregon school districts. Because she has an innate ability to form trust, relationship, and to help children feel safe, families with neurodivergent children still enroll in her art clubs and camps.
Although I employ a variety of approaches in teaching, the overarching pedagogical philosophies practiced are differentiated learning and experiential learning. I regularly evaluate student strengths and weaknesses, trying to create individual challenges to overcome weaknesses and showcase strengths. I do not believe in “my way or the highway” methodology, although I may remind students of process techniques. I allow failure to happen through experimentation, believing that failure aids in learning, and success outside of taught process results in a greater understanding of the student’s and medium’s limits and potential.
April’s Teaching Philosophy