Chao Yang

Chao Yang came to In Progress first through friends and then through curiosity and a desire to express herself.  She has been a talented and gifted resources to In Progress, writing about our work, and sharing our story with others!

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Perhaps what I experienced with In Progress is more of an "awakening" rather than, a concrete list of achievements. I initially was introduced to In Progress by Kao Choua Vue and Mee Thao, two long time In Progress artists. I didn't have any ideas about what I specifically wanted to do, but I needed a creative space to express all my strong opinions and process what I was and still am going through as a Hmong American woman. With Kristine Sorensen's support, I was able to exhibit some of my photographs during the St. Paul Art Crawl. It was also my first time being exposed to the media, and it helped me organize my own thoughts about what I really wanted my work to convey to people. The exhibit was proof to myself even though I felt I was lacking-my work was important, and that I really had a voice.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: In Progress continues to create opportunities for young people and artists. These opportunities allow for participants to build their skills through active participation in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, events, and exhibits. In Progress artists truly feel that they have a stake in the organization, and that ownership translates into commitment, engagement, and excellence. Notably, In Progress has great leadership from Kristine Sorensen to the board members, who are all dedicated to paving the way for young and emerging artists from all walks of life.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: In Progress truly allows for anyone to come in at any skill level. Often times, it's intimidating to go into an organization where there are established artists but there are opportunities to learn so it becomes less daunting, less scary and more feasible. Also, there is an unspoken understanding between everyone: respect yourself, respect each other, and respect the space. In Progress does so well in providing a safe and creative space for diverse artists. In addition, In Progress invests in great digital art tools, which allow artists to work with cameras, software, and materials that they normally wouldn't have the opportunity to use.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: In Progress reignites my passion. I think as I'm getting older I am starting to be more aware of oppressive events, experiences, occurences, and behavior towards my race, my community, my culture, my sex...so digital art is an outlet I can utilize to tell my own story. The opportunity to do so is why I keep coming back to In Progress. There's meaning, passion, and most of all, love in what the artists do.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Kristine Sorensen

Kristine Sorensen is the executive director of In Progress.  She is a filmmaker, teaching artist and education consultant, establishing many of the original community partnerships that In Progress carries on today.

Name: Kristine Sorensen

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Being here with so many others. I have been at this work for more than 25 years now and I am proud that so many of the artists that I have met along the way, I still feel profoundly connected to. Survival as a non-profit is difficult on a normal day, but keeping our integrity, staying true to our purpose, staying connected to young storytellers as they grow and mature and become themselves "creators of storytellers," -  is a privilege and honor that goes beyond words.

What does this mean? It means that we are more than a brick and mortar building, we are more than a job, or a budget, or a proposal. It means we will not be defined by others.  Instead, we will write our own stories and create the memories and experiences that  inform and as such, create In Progress.  To me - In Progress allows us to exist within the spirit of our relationships - it is something that is infinite and at times transformational.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: We had to learn how to be comfortable with one another, to trust each other, and simply enjoy each given moment. As we have learned to believe in each other and in our visions for what In Progress can be, we have grown stronger. It has taken time, and patience, and a deep willingness to learn from one another. We have had to agree to disagree; to fail; and to get up and try again. We have had to give more and take less. We have had to learn how to create our own standards for success and not depend on others to see the value of our work.

Many times we have had to go it alone.  At other times we have had to step back and learn from those we work with. Often it has been the least noticed within our communities - the young, the poor, the ones living in the smallest places, that have taught us how to just "be." We have become resilient, content, and patient with ourselves.   We know we are not an ocean, or lake or river. Instead we are the deep well from which we all drink. It is unglamorous - but it keeps us alive and refreshed.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: We are a family of artists and storytellers. Our boundaries are flexible. We know that we are stronger together than apart. We share. We laugh. We cry. We make deep and lasting connections through our stories - stories that belong to all of us. The artwork that we create carries precious memories because of how we made them.  I believe that at In Progress, we all strive to be better and do better. We are unique because we are all in progress - each and every one of us. 

We are different from other groups because we have long, lasting relationships that develop out of an appreciation of learning and creating together. When we share stories, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. We get to know each other in ways that some never get to experience. It is what makes us unique and different. We also strive to work quietly, in small groups and in small ways. We value the little stories, the stories that others walk by. We see the beauty of each others families, cultures, and ceremonies. We appreciate that we are all different - that we are unique, and that we are all in progress . . . .   This is what makes us different.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: We seek to have lasting relationships, and we accept one another as artists without question. I believe there is a lot of love at In Progress. You don't find that just anywhere. We get to know each other - not over night, but over time. I know that in my life - In Progress has been a rare occurrence. It was sparked our friendships and a sense of belonging, that has shifted over time, but has never left. There is no sense of end with In Progress. You don't just finish a program or activity - you enter a way of thinking and being as an artist, and once you do that - you are In Progress. 

What engages me is that we are forever changing - with each new person, with each new place, with each new story that is shared. There is never a dull moment. There is never a reason to go elsewhere. No matter where we are, when we are in progress, and we are at home.

Joshua Strong

Boozhoo everyone! I just wanted to share with the Band Members about a project that I'm a part of that has been 3 years in the making. I've been working with a NPO based out of the cities called InProgress which specializes in Digital Storytelling via photography and videography. My history with InProgress began around 2000-2001 when I participated in a video made by my cousin. By 2005 I began to participate in summer workshops facilitated by the group every year here in Nett Lake. Initially the program allowed me access to expensive equipment to make videos influenced by action movies. By 2009 the program became a creative outlet through which I publicly came out as homosexual/Two Spirit. 

Point in fact, I've been fighting since then to make this program available to the Youth because I attribute it to saving my life. This outlet needs to be available to everyone one. What I'm doing at Nett Lake School is helping Kris Sorenson teach the students the techniques needed to create a Poster Series that will be featured at State Of The Band called "Health in Progress". The content the students are attributing to Health is truly outstanding and advanced in mentality for their young ages. It is my dream that Bois Forte is able to establish their own studio for the students to have access to year round. The participants that have been my colleagues since 2005 are intermediate artists who's work has been shown worldwide. I really want for the Band Members to take pride in how this program has helped promote Bois Forte as a pillar of artistic expression within the Native, and LGBT communities.

Tomas Leal

Tomas Leal has been with In Progress since the very beginning when we first met him in Crookston Minnesota in 1996.  He is now a professional photographer, teaching artist, parent, and by day a paraprofessional dedicated to working with youth.  

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: My best achievement with IP is my Career Path, even though I didn't know it at the time. I did art more as a hobby. Through working with Kris and IP by doing, then teaching and internships I was able to began working in that way. I was able to do photography, video and then college getting my BA and on to full circle. I am now an instructor, lead photographer and doing the family photos.Through my career path that IP put me on, I was put into a position of stability, getting an ability to provide for my family. It represents me, as an artist, teacher, role model and community leader. Maybe not up front, but folks come to me and look up to me differently.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: It took IP Never Giving Up on Me. There were times that I really messed up and was a big disappointment, a lot of other groups would have been done with me. IP always had an open door, arms, way of never giving up. He sees it with others and knows he's been there. One of IP's strengths is that it continues to tap into areas that others don't. Others might have programs might have strict policies or strict rules that say they won't do...whatever. With IP you could just walk in. That open door allows the youth to be come in, the youth to learn, the youth to be creative, that youth's voice to being heard, the youth's issue that might be bothering them, and then of course the affirmation of that youths identity. Like with me, I walked out, and Kris said " you gotta write what you want to create" So she encourages the process to being creative. - ownership

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: IP is unique of course because of the open door, but also we are really like a family. We share meals, conversation, build relationships and learn to love the people around us. I have been working for a long time and I still don't have those kinds of relationships with the people I work with. I think that the open door the ability to teach. Kris is always right there willing to help. Other organizations the head person is stuck in an office somewhere. And everybody has there own idea of what is art, creativity, voice and they are allowed to be heard. May not fit on the board, but through Kris a lot of IP has come from "US". by listening and working with US. Other organizations follow guidelines or rules or law and won't encourage or allow good things to happen.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: I value everything I have mentioned and then some. IP feeds me not only physically but metaphorically too. It feeds me creatively, physically, friendship, and laughter and ideas that contribute to me being who I am . As I strive to be a better man, father, teacher, artist. With IP I am able to practice as I teach. to keep going to do. Always a "Plate" for him to be able to eat. To do a project a class, my own practica, or go do music or video

ALL THOUGHTS PRESENTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN GIVEN WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PERSON INTERVIEWED.  

Sai Thao

Sai Thao is a co-founder of In Progress.  She began making videos at the age of 14 and was the first In Progress artist to travel and teach others.  Sai Thao is now an accomplished filmmaker and parent and serves on the In Progress board of directors.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I think when I set out to work for and be In Progress, there was no real goals that I had in mind to achieve, only dreams I hoped to reveal.  So I believe there haven't been any accomplishments on my part as of yet with my experience with In Progress (maybe I have been gone too long)  --  although, through the many wonderful and tearful years with In Progress, I have acquired many meaningful relationships with friends, artists and organizations. Relationships have always been important to me. It has helped connect me to something that was and is bigger than myself, and it gives purpose and value to the work that is done.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: Having Kris as a friend, mentor, mother, guide, a person with a place and car, etc..., was a big factor in how we overcame and is still achieving as In Progress. She is a huge asset and strength in who we are and what we'll become as In Progress. Kris is one of the pillars of our foundation. There's been no one else to believe in who and what we are other than our Kris. Having big dreams and stories to tell is something also something that is huge, but not only that, having the motivations to chase our dreams and tools to express our voices have been helpful as well.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: What makes In Progress unique? I don't know....

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: What keeps me engaged are the relationships I have with In Progress and my continued need to express and articulate my dreams.

ALL THOUGHTS PRESENTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN GIVEN WITH PERMISSION FROM THE PERSON INTERVIEWED.  

Joshua Strong

Joshua Strong has been a part of In Progress since 2003 or so.  He grew up with In Progress and is now our lead teaching artist for the Living Histories Program in Nett Lake. Joshua is also an advocate for Two Spirits within his village and beyond.  

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I am most proud of using media arts to "come out". It was both very intimate, personal and yet also open and confident. It really helped me bust down the doors and walls of sheltering myself.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: In Progress is patient and has a constant sense of support. I was very wary and almost antagonistic to Kris because she was a stranger and yet she talked to me like she knew exactly who I was. That "open-door policy" was great to have when I came back to ask for help.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Having been around as long as it has, there's still a sense of covering new territory. It literally is a work in progress and for the students to be a part of that (inclusion) is really fundamental in developing ways of including others. It's also very familiar and relative...I mean it feels like family now and that's a very good feeling to have when creating art. There's a very strong support system that is built.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: In Progress has really become a pillar in my life. The ties that I've built run deep and very strong...they're far more powerful then I initially thought they could be. I've also felt challenged in a way that's at my own speed and on my terms. What keeps me a part of this family is being able to bring In Progress to the youth so that they have the same opportunities for self-acceptance and personal development that I've had. It's just become something that's almost a rite of passage and just a door I want all youth to be aware of so that they're able to fall back on it as I did.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Quanisha Hill

Quanisha is pretty young to be an intern and yet here she is at In Progress, proving her talents as a photographer and peer mentor.  She is dedicated to learning the art of photography and supporting other youth in learning how to tell stories.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I edited a photo of me and it had this hello kitty back it was made in the summer and I was sitting on some stairs. I liked it because it was one of the pictures I worked hardest on. It took me more time then other photos.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: My sister helped me. She took me to the park and we imported the picture and I choose my favorite.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Because like they have materials to use and it provides food and free.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: It's fun and I can work on artwork thats my own style and I can work on what I like and not work Im supposed to do.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Kao Na "Raynie" Vang

In Progress Artist since 2009. Photographer, teaching artist, make-up artist, entrepreneur, curator and so much more.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Out of all the experiences I have had through In Progress, the achievement that I'm most proud of is exhibiting my work at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. It opens the path of a recognized artist, and has been a great teaching tool for me. To me, it represents more achievements in the future.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: In Progress played a big roll in this accomplishment. First, it was the never ending creativity that the group of artists and I had. We just kept creating more and not work. Then it was the exhibits that in progress helped me curate my work into. And that include submitting my work to the Minnetonka exhibit. And the most important strength would have to be my mentors. Because of them, I can learn as an artist to also teach fellow artists to create and achieve.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: In Progress is unique and more interesting in many ways. Some examples would be the limitless of experimentation. If it's to hard to grasp a concept or key term, in progress allows the creative mind to go and capture and experiment then come back, analyze, and define. Another example is there are no boundaries in learning. We as artists learn from our mentors, and in return our mentors learn from us. Whether it's a culture concept or manipulation technique, there is endless learning on both sides.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: I value the family that I've been welcomed to when I think about in progress. I envision a network of artists that strive to pave the way for individual voices. And I engage myself with the present creativity that is brought from rediscovering the past and innovating into the future work of emerging artists. Most importantly I love the acceptance of people that in progress opens it's doors to.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Goldi Hill

At the age of 15, Goldi HIll is already a gifted and dedicated musician.  He came to studio 213 last spring with his family and has been with the program ever since.  He now runs the music studio, teaching dozens of other youth the art of electronic music.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Getting music done and creating 100 songs with In Progress since August of 2013. I am proud of the short amount of time I had to create the songs. My songs represent me.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: It took dedication from In Progress. I learned by watching other people record. I was self taught because thats how I like to learn. In Progress has free studio time and computers i can work on.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: All the free activities that we can do. They show comfort. Free food. The equipment that you let people borrow. The recording studio.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: What keep me engaged here is the studio. Willing to learn more skills in pro tools keeps me engaged.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Kyira Hill

Kyira is a newly developing photographer and youth mentor.  She works every week at Studio 213 helping to maintain the studio, hang shows and teach others.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Learning how to work iPhoto and photoshop. It was important to me because I am photographer and to be able to do photography you need to be able to work photoshop.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: The trainings and anytime I needed help somebody was there to help me. The different programs and its not always just about working sometimes we have days off and movie nights.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: The people at In Progress have positive energy.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: Photography keeps me engaged. It's a way to express yourself.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Kao Choua Vue

Kao Choua Vue came to In Progress at the age of 15.  She immediately began telling stories of Hmong history and culture through video and photography.  Today she is the visionary behind the Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival which in 2014 will celebrate it's 5 year anniversary.  She continues her work as a teaching artist with the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network and continues to act as a mentor to Hmong youth at In Progress.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I am most proud of the fact that I started the Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival when I was just 19. I have always had a vision of using a video camera to further history and bring together generations of Hmong. In Progress provided us the opportunity to do this on a personal level. People who are willing to put their heart and mind to building something find a place at In Progress.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: It took embracing the idea that you don't always receive something back. It takes people that are willing to give everything - to treat others like family. This is what makes In Progress powerful. It needs energy, persons that are experienced to help others take an idea and turn it into a reality.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Generations of families come here. Those that started In Progress are still with us. They don't want to leave. They started here with nothing. In Progress gave them a push. In Progress works with them to become more successful. People are able to become the person they want to be at In Progress. We work with people, stand up with them. We don't do it for them but we help them to run with it. In Progress is all over the state and they keep everyone connected through Facebook and other social media.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: Knowing that I have the keys. That when I walk through the door that others are already here. As an adult, I warm up the place. The kids eyes light up, through dialogue, and the relationships we build through knowing each others' art work.  It's what makes us strong. In Progress artists and mentors really make a difference. They allow kids as young as 8 to stick with it. In Progress connects people to each other.

Tiana LaPointe

Tiana LaPointe joined In Progress at the age of 13 when she made a video about Native Art through her school The Four Directions Charter School.  She has been an important part of In Progress ever since.  She is now an accomplished documentary filmmaker, a teaching artist and the In Progress Studio Manager.  

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I was just fifteen when I made my first documentary with In Progress. It motivated me to want to tell stories, the stories of others, It boosted my confidence and gave me a voice.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: In Progress believes in the potential of young artists to tell the stories that need to be told. Somebody is always there willing to work with you step by step - planning the interviews, teaching us how to use the equipment, someone to call with questions, to help edit.... In Progress is consistent with its support.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: In Progress makes young people feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. We are not just one person - youth help to build everything.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: Knowing that I can make a difference, that I can make In progress even more unique. Everyone who walks into one of our programs is immediately part of In Progress.

Cristina Rodriguez

Cristina Rodriguez - walked into our Crookston studio at the age of 12.  She was so young then and still is.  We knew the moment we met her that she was an artist - an In Progress artist.  She was one of our bravest too, who made her way through so many obstacles to study in New York.  She now leads our Fresh Voices program in Crookston, and has a large following of young artists that look up to her for who they will be someday.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Joining the program and realizing that this was exact ally what I was missing in my life. A camera makes me feel complete. It's another form of expressing myself. It represents who I am as a person.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: The oportunity to learn new programs. The teachers who taught me. The opportunity of using the equipment and trust to go out with it and explore.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: The trust, how artists are allowed to be an individual and create their own work. It's more like a big family lots of love and respect.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: The opportunity to create work and access to equipment. The people and artists . The friends I've made due to getting involved in the program. Most of all Kristine Sorensen .

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Kathryn Fairbanks

In Progress supporter and parent of In progress artists since 1994.  Educator, community advocate and school board member at the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Seeing my owns sons and my elementary students all grown up, sharing powerful messages.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: Kris and the Board, their passion to help us heal our hurts through art.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: In Progress includes our youth in greater Minnesota and the urban areas. In Progress engages our youth to tell their stories whether for real life stories or dramas!

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: The In Progress family, we're family, no matter how many years ago or how far apart we are. We are empowering our youth.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Juanita Espinosa

Juanita Espinosa has been an advocate for young voices since the early days of In Progress.  She has served on the board of directors since 2003 and has been actively leading the board since 2010.  Her experience in supporting Native artists in the state of Minnesota has given In Progress keen insight into deepening its partnerships with tribal communities.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I am most proud of the fact that we now have a presence with a street level studio. It is a new experience, especially since with Kris her work is often on the road and then back to the studio. It broadens our audience and gives us the room to develop ideas about what we can bloom into while continuing to feed the artistic dreams of our artists.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?:  I used to be concerned about Kris not having enough of her own time. That In Progress (especially when we were downtown) did not allow for her to have a personal life. The office and studio and meeting space was all her work space. But now I am really happy that Kris explored the idea of the store front studio and a base of operation for a staff to grown into.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: The hidden nuggets - Here's what I learned, what I know, and what I achieved. Telling stories! Traditional methods don't represent how In Progress works, but its the core programming that captures the stories that makes it unique. Participants are the ones that own what happens. It is a generational model.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: The term "youth organization" can be troubling, as In Progress develops life-long relationships. It takes a person for who they are at the moment they walk into In Progress. In progress gives the participant a "big picture" of what is possible but it is the participant that chooses how they will function within that big picture. The new range of programming also encourages moving throughout the center and learning new skills. Its all related to telling the story, their story.

Dan Yang

In Progress artist since 2012.  Festival Organizer & Host, and now filmmaker.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: I'm most proud of being able to help coordinate the Hmong Film Festival and work with the Gordon Parks Youth Program. Both mean a lot to me because the film festival represents something that is important to my community and my personal aspirations. While the Youth program represents something that I see is lacking in many young children's lives today, and that is the ability to explore their imaginations freely.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: It takes many hours of planning and many wonderful people who help donate and give grants to help us reach our goals. A strength we have is the wide group of people we target, we open our doors to anyone and everyone which is a very big plus our cause.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: A couple things that make IP very unique is that we offer many many services for all types of artists. We help the young artist by teaching them while at the same time we aid the older artist by giving them a chance to teach and display their skills.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: InProgress gives us the chance to create something from our dreams, often times we are not given that chance enough or maybe can't afford the possibility to pursue them. IP gives us that chance at little to no cost for everyone. That's what I value most, having the possibility to do what we would like to.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Mina Blyly-Strauss

Mina began with In Progress in 1997 as photo and video artist.  She soon began traveling, teaching and became an integral part of forming the organization, to the point that she was the first to coin the name "In Progress."  Mina is now a practicing artist and educator for Minneapolis Public Schools.

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Keeping things going--and even growing and getting new space--as a somewhat independent organization (well, with MN Media) through a time that saw a number of other arts and youth media groups and programs struggle, merge, and even seem to fade away is HUGE.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: Taking on both grant-funded and earned-income projects, as well as staffing support from volunteer efforts. In Progress has been able to maintain a flexible structure that can make effective use of the variety of skills, talents, and other resources of those it attracts.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: A number of things. The first is a relatively small full-time staff infrastructure. While it seems many groups work hard to have a number of full-time staff, In Progress has been able to function with Kris and a variety of part-time contract artists, interns, volunteers, etc. The level of involvement young artists are allowed is also different, as they have always been encouraged to take on leadership roles and advance skills in both artistic and organizational domains. A third thing that makes it stick out is that--as a whole--it's not tightly focused on a single geographical, ethnic, gender, and/or small age-range... it's welcoming to diverse people and opportunities and helps them to develop from where they're at.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: The dual focus on art and people is great.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Mona Smith

Community artist and programming partner for the 2010 Indian Treaties Project

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Participation of In Progress in the Why Treaties Matter project. Having youth gather media assets and information enhanced the appeal and use of the project.

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: Great skills, great relationships, high quality work, a deep understanding of native people and communities.

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Honest to god diversity. It is multicultural. There are youth and adult artists of many communities involved at the core. And the level of training and product: it’s really high quality work.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: I’m just so impressed with how they operate. I’m so impressed that they provide a home for media artists and that hours aren’t part of it. It’s a home.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Elizabeth Valdez

Co-founder of the Fresh Voices Program, past board member, and ongoing advocate for diversity and the arts in Crookston Minnesota

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: 1. That I was involved in bringing this experience to crookston and giving the Latino community the opportunity to voice and express what is important to that individual. 2. It is important to me because the community is visible in ways that people are not used to seeing them. 3. Validation

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: The director has to take alot of credit for this. Her passion and ability to remain consistent in her goals year after year is remarkable. Her personality engages youth and creates a welcoming and fun atmosphere of acceptance. People feel safe in discovering what their beliefs and ideas are and an outlet has been created where all creativity is accepted. She also has a great ability to accept people where they are at starting with youth at very young ages. The program helps them to start defining themselves. I've never seen anyones ideas dismissed!

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Consistency, the goal of inner awareness, using invisible people to give the community culture within their culture.

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: I love that in progress provides opportunities as they outgrow their program by placing them in roles of teachers etc..it takes the validation to full form by doing so. I love the voice that it gives each individual. I love that it creates a safe and welcoming space for Latino youth.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.  

Mike Hazard

In Progress supporter and guest speaker since 1999

1. Considering all your experience with In Progress, what is one achievement that you personally are most proud of? Why is this achievement important to you? What does it represent?: Mentoring youth who go on to mentor youth themselves

2. What did it take for us at In Progress to achieve this accomplishment? What strengths do we have that helped us succeed?: Time and resources

3. What do you think makes In Progress unique? What 2-3 things are at our very core that make us stand out from other arts programs or youth development programs?: Earned trust
Collaborative and creative spirit
Equipment that works

4. As you think about In Progress, what do you value most? What keeps you engaged here?: I am always happily surprised by the depth of spirit of the house. People love making expressive media and learning how to create. You can see it in the eyes of all those who learn here. You can feel it when you step inside. It is magic.

all thoughts presented on this page have been given with permission from the person interviewed.