FOCUS UP
Portraits by the youth of Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center
In Progress Saint Paul / circa 2023
Focus-Up is a community based exhibit series that emerged from an In Progress partnership with the Dayton's Bluff Rec Center. The project placed IP artist Aaliyah McQueen front and center as teaching artist and mentor enabling them to delve into the fundamentals of photography, cultivate their artistic skills, hone storytelling abilities, and foster leadership qualities. Each participant embarked on a personal journey, carefully selecting their unique photography projects that resonated with their interests and passions.
Collaborating in teams, they skillfully intertwined their narratives with others by crafting characters using clay, such as flowers, cars, snowmen, and various other imaginative figures that symbolized their joy. Through this creative process, they unlocked the doors of their imagination, weaving captivating stories together.As you explore their photographs, delve beyond the surface to discern the profound meaning behind their art. Witness how their creations illuminate different facets of their artistic selves, allowing them to shine in a whole new light.
Special thanks to Courtney Morris, Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center and Saint Paul Parks & Rec. This project was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
This exhibit will be on display at: Studio 213 / 213 Front Avenue / Saint Paul MN. 55117 please email info@in-progress.org to schedule a time to view the work