Aaliyah Mcqueen

photography / spoken word performance / writing / artist assessments

Aaliyah McQueen is a versatile artist whose passion for creativity has shaped a dynamic and meaningful career. An active member of In Progress for over five years, she now serves as the organization’s Artist Services Coordinator. In this role, she brings her enthusiasm for artistic exploration to every project and community she engages with.

Aaliyah’s artistic journey has included a wide range of experiences, from photographing the Rice Street Parade to curating exhibits and designing postcards. She has hosted family portrait sessions that celebrate community and connection and has taught camera skills to youth at the McDonough Recreation Center. Her work reflects a commitment to using art as a way to build relationships and inspire others.

As an artist, Aaliyah believes in the importance of continuously expanding her perspective and learning new skills. She is a firm believer that age is no barrier to growth and that it is never too late to develop new passions. Her dedication to lifelong learning has allowed her to thrive creatively and to encourage others to embrace their own artistic journeys.

QUALIFICATIONS

Aaliyah McQueen has extensive experience teaching photography, videography, podcasting, and poetry writing in a variety of educational and community settings. She has shared her skills with students at Creative Arts Secondary School, Adams Spanish Immersion School, Saint Paul Music Academy, and American Indian Magnet School.

Her professional background includes exhibit curation, visual design, community event documentation, and the facilitation of creative workshops for youth and families. As an Artist Assessment Coordinator at In Progress, she supports artists across disciplines and helps produce programs that make digital media accessible to emerging creators.  Aaliyah’s commitment to artistic growth, community engagement, and education underscores her reputation as a creative force dedicated to empowering others through the arts.

Focus Areas

  • portraiture photography

  • writing & poetry instruction

SKILLS

  • professional DSLR camera operation

  • conceptual photography technique

  • poetry writing

  • spoken word advisor

  • software applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Audition, Final Cut Pro, Google Applications, and MS Word.

Teaching / PRODUCTION experience

  • photography mentor for In Progress

  • writing mentor for In Progress

  • family portraiture events support

  • workshop and residency instruction in schools and communities throughout Minnesota.

LINKS

email: Liyah200213@gmail.com