Whitney stevens - IP artist since 2006

As I reflect on my time at In Progress, one achievement stands out to me: learning to make my own movies. Before joining the program, I never thought it was possible to create films with pictures that could be changed and edited. This accomplishment is important to me because it represents the boundless opportunities I've discovered at In Progress. I've learned more from this program than from any other, and it's helped me grow both creatively and personally.

The supportive environment at In Progress was crucial in helping me achieve this goal. The artists and staff pushed me to finish my work and expected more from me than other teachers had in the past. This encouragement made all the difference in my success. Having been a part of In Progress for so long, I've formed strong bonds with everyone here. It's more than just a program – it's a family.

What sets In Progress apart is its unique approach to arts education. Unlike other programs, In Progress offers a wide range of resources and opportunities, from exhibits to family portraits, all free of charge. The program's relaxed atmosphere, flexibility, and lack of strict rules allow participants to express themselves freely and explore their creativity.

For me, the heart of In Progress lies in its people. I value the trust I've built with Kris, who has guided me in making decisions and provided help whenever I needed it. The friendly and humorous staff make me feel at ease, and I appreciate that I never feel judged. In Progress is more than just a program – it's a community, a family of friends who support and encourage each other to grow and thrive.

Joshua Strong - IP artist since 2005

My history with In Progress 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.

Serina Vue - IP Artist Since 2007

My name is Serina Vue and I am a photographer and Intern at In Progress. I am 14 years old.  I was first introduced to In Progress by CHAT, Center for Hmong Arts and Talents in 2007. At CHAT, my sister and I learned about video. Each day, for a week, we would go and make a little bit more of our movies. When the week was done, we were a bit upset because we couldn't go downstairs and buy candy anymore.

A month later, one of our video teachers, Kao Choua Vue, called and told us about In Progress. We jumped up and ran outside when we saw the car pull up. Our first day at In Progress was very different from our first day at CHAT. And from that day on, we just kept on going to In Progress, because it was different.

Kao Na Vang - IP Artist Since 2008

My name is Kao Na Vang, and I am a Hmong American; I was born in Saint Paul, MN.  Growing up in MN, I was always aware that my parents weren't born and raised in the USA. Taking the advantage of a free public education system, my parents enrolled me into Saint Paul public schools. Through out my elementary and junior high school years I never really knew who I was, where I stand, and what I had to look forward to in the future, until I discovered photography my first year of high school. I experimented with modeling when I was 15 years old. I did a lot of photo shoots that were fashion and commercial related shoots. I discovered that I wanted more control of what was being captured, and from my modeling experience I started off my photography journey. As a Hmong American artist Ifeel that it’s important to preserve our culture, even if it’s new emerging traditions unraveling before us.

One of my very first memories of encountering a camera was when I was about 4; I remembered holding a Polaroid camera, snapping a picture and being amazed at the fact that I had frozen an image in time. I have had 4 years of experience with photography. Portraiture has always been my strongest in photography. I try to make a connection with my thoughts and my subject(s), and what I look forward to is the reaction of my audience.

 Just because you don’t understand an image does not mean that it’s a poorly captured image. Photography can tell one story in a million different frames of images, but everyone can react and connect to each photograph in a different way. You can express anything with photography, but when you can express it with an image that burns into the eye of your audience that is art. 

Pajar Vang - IP Artist Since 2009

My name is Pajar Vang. Before I started photography at InProgress, I had no interest in photography what so ever. I never really thought I’d had a creative side. but when my friends introduced me to In Progress I had so many ideas popping in and out of my mind. I have never heard of this program “InProgress”, but let me tell you this, when I saw my friends art work on that wall I was envious and wanted to have the same accomplishments like they had. My first art work was a series of photos about emotions. There were four photos, the first one was called “The White Monster” which was a photo of me wearing white, on a white background. White on white. That photo ended up on a postcard for the Saint Paul Art Crawl for In Progress. Ever since that series I kept going to the photography classes that they offered every tuesday and eventually ended up getting a SLR camera of my own to own. I started creating art work like crazy. I had a series of Hmong skirts framed up in the Art Crawl gallery, and those photos traveled to the Travelers Building in Downtown saint paul. I did Collaborations with other artistes at In Progress that had great meaning and ended up post cards too. Ever since In Progress happened to me, I’ve been successful in the path i’ve wanted to take. I, Pajar Vang, The girl who had no interest in photography, am now a photographer.

Lee Wai Chang - IP Artist Since 2009

My name is Lee Wai Chang and I was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am 15 years old, and also an Asian-American photographer that was raised in the city full of opportunities to be an artist. I am an upcoming sophomore in 2011-2012 at Johnson Senior High School. One of my friends, Gaona Xiong, who is another photographer influenced me by her artwork to become one myself. She introduced me to In-Progress. A non-profit organization that teaches music, video, and photography for many years now. One of In-Progress’s photography members, Raynie Vang, mentored me to become a photographer. I wanted to become a photographer because I wanted to express my feelings into artwork. 

My artwork has been shown in two Saint Paul Art Crawls, both spring and fall of 2010-2011. Some of my artwork were show in the Qhia Dab Neeg event, at Coco and Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul. Since then my artwork has been traveling to other places.

Photography impacted my life by giving me a better view to life. It showed me all the little details of an artwork. My perception now towards photos is that I shouldn’t judge how it looks like, I should listen to the story that lays behind a photo. A picture can mean a thousand words.I believe that if you truly love photography then you are able to show it on a picture. During training for becoming a photographer, I motivated myself into becoming a stronger and better photographer, as I am now.

Kristine Sorensen - IP Artist Since 1987

I am an artist, a mentor and a professional. My life revolves around the work of In Progress and all of the amazing people that I have connected with through my role as a media artist and organizer. I made my first films as a child but did not seriously consider filmmaking as a career choice until my mid twenties. In the late 1980s I began working in the media education field and haven't looked back since. My love for this work stems from a genuine curiosity about people and the lives they lead. Since beginning this journey, I have witnessed the most amazing stories. I have laughed and cried, made friends, lost friends, learned about myself, and about the many ways we as human beings experience the journey of life. I am a fortunate individual.

I have been the executive director for In Progress since 2000. I give what time I can to work with our board of directors to progress the work of this unique organization. Because In Progress has no paid employees (we are all volunteers or contractors), I tend to take care of many duties. I designed and maintained the website; I order all of our supplies, I supervise contractors and volunteers, manage the books, write grants, meet with the public, write curriculum and administer a majority of the activities that take place at In Progress. Now don't get me wrong - yes I work hard, but I get to have allot of fun in the process. My passion is working directly with our partner communities as a mentor to young artists but I also enjoy the many other activities related to keeping In Progress "on the road." 

Tiana LaPointe - IP Artist Since 2003

My name is Tiana LaPointe. I’m a fifteen-year old Lakota from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. In 2003, I began work on a video documentary entitled Keepers of the Stronghold Dream. It is a documentary about the Lakota people’s fight to protect sacred burial sites on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The video also explains the history related to a virtually unknown massacre on what is now known as the Badlands. During this massacre, the Oglala, Lakota, Peyote and other groups of Native Americans were thrown into ravines, persecuted, and murdered for practicing the Ghost Dance that they used to pray for a new and better life.

Since I began making videos, I have learned that no matter who you are or what you are interested in, you do have something to say. If you work hard at it, you can show people what you believe is important in the world. This can give people a different perspective on those things that are most important to you. I believe it is easier to help people understand you when you use video to tell your story. I also believe that you don’t have to be the most creative person in the world to produce amazing artwork-- you just need to be knowledgeable and believe in what you have to say.

Since becoming a teaching artist, my artwork has changed because I have had a chance to use more technologically advanced cameras and tripods. I also learned that you remember 90% of what you teach and 40% of what you are taught. By teaching others, I have become a stronger artist and student. I know how to say what I want people to understand and have a way to say it.

I see my self as a filmmaker and a mentor to others. My role as an In Progress Intern is to submit artist’s videos to upcoming festivals, to coordinate video screenings of young artist’s work and to lead the planning for a youth Indigenous Storytelling Gathering. I also am open to any creative opportunities that might come my way. I am willing to learn as much as I can from others. 

Phylis Nicole Isham - IP Artist Since 2001

Aaniin danaa! My name is Nikki Isham, and I'm an Anishinabe woman from the Leech Lake Reservation. I've been part of the Ogichidaakweg (Sisters In Leadership) Program since 2000. I teach youth and study at the Leech Lake Tribal College.

In 2002, I screened my first video, "Walking Alone On The Road of Depression," at the Sundance Film Festival. After a break, I resumed producing in 2004. I work with video and photography, preferring the latter.

My interest in photography began in high school, where I took an elective class taught by Ms. Ross. She introduced us to the pinhole camera and explained how it worked. This sparked my passion for photography.

My grandma bought me my first camera, and I began taking pictures everywhere. I later attended a digital photography workshop, where I met the Ogichidaakweg program. This marked my transition to digital art.

I find inspiration in the moment, natural photography, and digital manipulation. I travel with my camera, capturing colors, people, and moments. When reviewing my photos, I recall the emotions and memories behind each shot.

My experiences have shaped me into an image saver, video artist, and philosopher. I continue to learn and grow, inspired by the world around me.

The things that inspire me to take photos are the moment itself, sometimes everything just seems to fall into place with the natural photography that I do. A lot of times my intentions for digital manipulation inspires me to take photos of things that I can play with on the computer-other times with the digital manipulation, I am looking for something specific. Most of the time, I just get into the mode where everything that is around me is jumping out at me- colors, people, moments, everything. I travel around all over with my camera and just take pictures. When I look at them on the computer later, I get excited because I remember exactly why I took the picture, what I may have been feeling, I remember almost everything about them. So unless I am looking for something specific, my influences are everywhere and scattered about everywhere I look.