Tomas Leal

My best achievement with In Progress is my career path. What started as a hobby evolved into a profession through working with Kris and In Progress. I began by doing art, then teaching and internships, which ultimately led me to pursue a BA and establish a stable career. I'm now an instructor, lead photographer, and facilitate family photos. This career path represents my growth as an artist, teacher, role model, and community leader.

In Progress achieved this accomplishment by never giving up on me. Despite my mistakes and disappointments, In Progress maintained an open door policy, offering arms and a way forward. This organization taps into areas that others don't, providing an open door for youth to enter, learn, create, and have their voices heard.

What makes In Progress unique is its open-door policy, family-like atmosphere, and emphasis on teaching and creativity. We share meals, conversations, and build relationships, fostering a sense of love and community. In Progress values individual ideas about art, creativity, and voice, allowing everyone to be heard.

I value everything In Progress offers, from physical nourishment to creative fulfillment, friendship, laughter, and ideas. In Progress feeds my soul, enabling me to grow as a person, father, teacher, and artist. With In Progress, I can practice what I teach and continually strive to improve.

Chao Yang

My experience with In Progress has been more of an "awakening" than a concrete list of achievements. I was introduced to In Progress by Kao Choua Vue and Mee Thao, two long-time In Progress artists. At the time, I didn't have any specific ideas about what I wanted to do, but I needed a creative space to express my strong opinions and process my experiences 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 my first time being exposed to the media, and it helped me organize my thoughts about what I wanted my work to convey. The exhibit proved to myself that my work was important, and that I had a voice.

In Progress creates opportunities for young people and artists to build their skills through active participation in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, events, and exhibits. Participants feel they have a stake in the organization, which translates into commitment, engagement, and excellence. Notably, In Progress has great leadership and dedicated board members who pave the way for young and emerging artists.

What makes In Progress unique is its openness to anyone, regardless of skill level. There's an unspoken understanding of respect for oneself, others, and the space. In Progress provides a safe and creative space for diverse artists, invests in digital art tools, and offers opportunities to work with cameras, software, and materials that might otherwise be inaccessible.

In Progress reignites my passion and provides an outlet for me to tell my own story through digital art. As I've grown older, I've become more aware of oppressive events and experiences affecting my community, culture, and sex. The opportunity to address these issues through art is why I keep coming back to In Progress. There's meaning, passion, and love in what the artists do.

Josua 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.

Sai Thao

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.

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.

Kristine Sorensen

Being here with so many others has been a profound experience. I've been at this work for almost 40 years now, and I'm proud that so many of the artists I've met along the way, I still feel profoundly connected to. Survival as a non-profit is difficult, but keeping our integrity, staying true to our purpose, and staying connected to young storytellers as they grow and mature is a privilege and honor.

We've achieved this by learning to be comfortable with one another, to trust each other, and simply enjoy each given moment. As we've learned to believe in each other and in our visions for what In Progress can be, we've grown stronger. It's taken time, patience, and a deep willingness to learn from one another.

What makes In Progress unique is that we're a family of artists and storytellers. Our boundaries are flexible, and we know that we're stronger together than apart. We share, laugh, cry, and make deep and lasting connections through our stories. The artwork we create carries precious memories because of how we made them.

I value the lasting relationships we've built and the acceptance of one another as artists without question. There's a lot of love at In Progress, and you don't find that just anywhere. We get to know each other over time, and I know that in my life, In Progress has been a rare occurrence. It's sparked friendships and a sense of belonging that has shifted over time but has never left.

Quanisha Hill

I edited a photo of me with a Hello Kitty background. 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 than other photos.

My sister helped me achieve this. She took me to the park, and we imported the picture. I chose my favorite.

What makes In Progress unique is that they have materials to use, provide food, and it's free.

I value that In Progress is fun, and I can work on artwork that's my own style. I can work on what I like and don't have to do work I'm supposed to do.

Kao Na Vang

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.

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 stopping. Then it was the exhibits that In Progress helped me curate my work into. And that included 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.

In Progress is unique and more interesting in many ways. Some examples would be the limitless experimentation. If it's too 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 that 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 cultural concept or manipulation technique, there is endless learning on both sides.

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 its doors to.

Goldi Banks

I'm proud of completing music and creating 100 songs with In Progress since August 2013. I accomplished this in a short amount of time, and my songs represent me.

In Progress' dedication helped me achieve this goal. I learned by watching others record and was self-taught, as that's my preferred learning style. In Progress provided free studio time and computers, which were invaluable resources.

What makes In Progress unique is the free activities, comfort, and food. The equipment available for borrowing and the recording studio also stand out.

The studio keeps me engaged at In Progress. I'm eager to continue learning new skills in Pro Tools.

Kyria Hill

Learning how to work iPhoto and Photoshop is a significant achievement for me. As a photographer, being proficient in Photoshop is essential, and acquiring this skill has been important to my growth as an artist.

The trainings and support system at In Progress were instrumental in helping me achieve this accomplishment. Whenever I needed help, someone was always available to assist me. Additionally, the variety of programs and activities, including days off and movie nights, helped create a well-rounded experience.

What makes In Progress unique is the positive energy of the people involved. This energy creates a supportive and inspiring environment that fosters creativity and growth.

Photography is what keeps me engaged at In Progress. It provides an outlet for self-expression, allowing me to convey emotions and ideas through my art.

Kao Choua Vue

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.

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.

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.

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

I was just thirteen 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.

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.

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.

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

Joining the program and realizing that this was exactly 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.

The opportunity to learn new programs. The teachers who taught me. The opportunity of using the equipment and trust to go out with it and explore.

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.

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.

Kathryn Fairbanks

Seeing my own sons and my elementary students all grown up, sharing powerful messages.

In Progress' achievement was made possible by Kris and the Board, whose passion helps us heal our hurts through art.

What makes In Progress unique is its inclusivity, engaging youth in greater Minnesota and urban areas to tell their stories, whether real-life or dramatic.

The In Progress family is what I value most - we're family, no matter the distance or years apart. We empower our youth.

Juanita Espinosa

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.

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.

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.

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 Yaj

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.

• 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 for our cause.

• 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.

• 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.

Mina Blyly-Strauss

Keeping things going--and even growing and getting new space--as a somewhat independent organization 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.

Taking on both grant-funded and earned-income projects, as well as staffing support from volunteer efforts, has allowed In Progress to maintain a flexible structure that can make effective use of the variety of skills, talents, and other resources of those it attracts.

A number of things make In Progress unique. The relatively small full-time staff infrastructure is one. 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. Additionally, In Progress is welcoming to diverse people and opportunities and helps them to develop from where they're at.

The dual focus on art and people is great.

Mona Smith

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.

• Great skills, great relationships, high-quality work, a deep understanding of native people and communities.

• 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.

• 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.

Elizabeth Valdez

I'm proud of helping bring the In Progress experience to Crookston and empowering the Latino community to express themselves. This achievement is important because it makes the community visible in new ways, providing validation.

• Our director's passion, consistency, and engaging personality have been crucial to our success. She creates a welcoming atmosphere where people feel safe exploring their beliefs and ideas. In Progress accepts people where they are, helping youth define themselves from a young age.

• In Progress stands out due to its consistency, focus on inner awareness, and amplification of marginalized voices. We provide a platform for cultural expression within the community.

• I value how In Progress provides opportunities for growth, validating individuals by placing them in leadership roles. I appreciate the safe space it creates for Latino youth and the voice it gives each individual.

Mike Hazard

Mentoring youth who go on to mentor youth themselves has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Time and resources were essential to achieving this accomplishment, allowing us to provide the necessary support and guidance for our youth.

Earned trust, a collaborative and creative spirit, and functional equipment are at the core of what makes In Progress unique, setting us apart from other arts programs and youth development organizations.

The depth of spirit in the house, the love of creating expressive media, and the magic felt when stepping inside are what keep me engaged and valued, making In Progress a truly special place.