Kristine Sorensen 

BIOGRAPHY

Kristine Sorensen is the founder and executive director of In Progress.  She has been a practicing teaching artist since 1987 and has developed several program models in the field of digital arts learning.  She has 30 years experience teaching digital media workshops and residencies for youth, adult artists and educators.   Sorensen is a skilled grants writer, educator, and developer.  She has mentored many artists in her 30 years of teaching, that are now breaking down barriers as digital art makers.  Her awards include the Jerome Travel Study Award, Saint Paul Leadership In Neighborhoods Award, and the Sally Arts Initiative Award.

Qualifications

• filmmaker

• photographer

• producer

• executive level administrative financial and management skills

• program developer

• grant writer

• teaching artist

CONTACt

• email: soren@in-progress.org

portfolio samples

Sometimes we don’t see the ripple effect - the influence we all have on the lives of others… The impact of a few words of encouragement, matched with resources and the belief that art can transform, is what motivates me to teach and to share. It creates a common strength in places where the digital arts are often out of reach due to economic and geographic barriers.

I should note here – that the practice of my art and creative nature flows through the mentorship of others. I direct an organization called In Progress that includes a network of artists all committed to sharing their knowledge while learning from others. We currently have two arts studios in the state of Minnesota and partner with rural, tribal and urban communities to share resources, stories and opportunities.

I am inspired most by young, newly developing artists that are passionate about the stories they carry. There is nothing better than watching a young person finding their voice through the lens of a camera. I think back on all the young people I have met and the stories they so willingly shared with their families and communities. It overwhelms me to think back on it. The idea that an 8 or 12 or 20 year old person knows the value of their own stories, and are able to honor the people and the cultures and histories through a digital is truly an inspiration to me.