The STORYTELLERS

finding voice through the art of photography & video in rural Minnesota

Storytellers provides hands-on digital storytelling workshop for youth and adults. Workshops offer a deep dive into finding purposeful stories and then finding creative ways to produce those stories through the art forms of photography, music and video. Activities are fluid, with limited formal instruction, and a heavy emphasis on small group mentorship. Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under the age of 10, should be accompanied by an older sibling or adult. There is no cost to participate.

Strike a Pose

April 24 & 25 / studio 110 crookston

Strike a Pose is a hands-on photography workshop focused on using light to shape mood, depth, and intensity in portraiture led by In Progress artist and one time resident of Crookston - Tomas Leal. Participants will explore techniques such as directional lighting, high-contrast setups, and shadow control to create bold, expressive images. Through guided demonstrations and practice, photographers will learn how to transform simple setups into striking, dramatic portraits that emphasize emotion, texture, and form. LEARN MORE

The Art of Music

session one: july 25 & 26 / Family Resource Center East Grand Forks

SESSION TWO: August 8 & 9 / STUDIO 110 CROOKSTON

Begin your music-making journey by uncovering your unique creative voice. Through playful experimentation and guided exploration, In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner helps participants tap into their curiosities, interests, and talents in the world of digital music. Learn the fundamentals of sampling audio, building beats, and understanding the basics of sound engineering. This session sets the foundation for creative confidence and technical skill that will grow throughout the series. LEARN MORE

Cinematics

Session one: August 1 & 2 / Family Resource Center East Grand Forks

Session two: August 15 & 16 / Studio 110 Crookston

Join internationally recognized filmmaker Mickies Kiros in learning the art of video creation. Write stories, and bring them to life using professional video cameras. Cinematics the craft of videography as a powerful tool for storytelling rooted in culture, identity, and lived experience. All ages are welcomed to join, make movies and share stories with others that reflects personal truth and the power of visual stories. LEARN MORE

The Portrait

August 22 & 23 / Studio 110 Crookston

The Portrait is a hands-on workshop with artist Xavier Tavera focused on the art of portraiture as a tool for storytelling and representation. Participants explore lighting, composition, and collaboration with subjects to create images that reflect identity, presence, and lived experience. Through guided practice and discussion, attendees will develop both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the power of the portrait. LEARN MORE

MENTORSHIP

virtual & in person learning opportunities / studio 110 crookston

IP artists Kristine Sorensen, Arley Sinks, Jeremy Gardner, Mickies Kiros and Rena Zapata offer mentorship to developing artist artists on digital techniques and project creation. Local artists will have the opportunity to sig up for virtual and in person mentorship to further their work as artists with stories. LEARN MORE

Weaving a Wider Community Conference

Please join us and our partner FREC “Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative” for the annual Overcoming Racism conference. This year the conference has a new rural community focus and  is taking place in fifteen communities. MORE INFORMATION - FALL 2026.