Origin Stories

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...

Kazua Melissa Vang is a Hmong-American multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, photographer, and cultural producer based in Minnesota. Her work is deeply rooted in personal narrative, cultural memory, and the desire to amplify underrepresented voices within her community and beyond. A gifted visual storyteller, Vang’s photography has been exhibited at numerous respected venues, including In Progress,...

Kristine Sorensen is one of the founding artists of In Progress.  She serves both as the executive director for the organization and is a teaching artist that mentors youth and adults throughout the state of Minnesota.  She tells her story of what it means to be an In Progress artist. 

Dhoua Vue is a young talented storyteller who is dedicated to creating short films about her life and real life situations that affect young people. Dhoua was born into In Progress and is 3rd generation Hmong and 2nd generation filmmaker.  She tells her story of what it means to be an In Progress artist. 

Mickies Kiros is a passionate creative writer and storyteller who is dedicated to capturing his unique perspective on the world through words. Always seeking inspiration in his surroundings, he is actively honing his skills in story and narrative writing. His commitment to developing his craft has led him to attend multiple writing workshops and to study and draw from all forms of art, while build...

Morgen Arguelles shares her story as a developing artist, the making of her film 4600 Children , and her work as a curator for In Progress's Studio 110 in Crookston Minnesota. 

Masyn Arguelles has been an active In Progress artists since they were the age of 11.  Masyn is a photographer and writer and presents in this interview how she first recognized her talent as a writer.  In their own words:  "On my own time, I write a lot. It is usually poetry/spoken word. It may not be considered deep poetry, but it’s something I enjoy.  Once Masyn graduates high school, they are...

McKinna Amiot participated in our summer Storytellers Project at Studio 110 in Crookston.  She has a deep love of nature and photography.   

Kao Choua got her start with In Progress around 2007.  She became a documentary filmmaker and founder of the Qhia Dab Neeg Flim Festival while working for In Progress.  She now lives in northern California but continues to check in with us with dreams of bring back the Qhia Dab Film Festival in 2025.  

In this episode, artist Azomali Obisakin talks about her history as a filmmaker, the acknowledgements she has received with the completion of her first film, and an upcoming movie she is producing about the impact of racism on children.

In this episode, artist Calixtra Boucahrd talks about why she likes to movies and shares her history as an artist with In Progress working from Crookston Minnesota.

In this episode, artist Cha Prue talks about why she likes to create animated videos and shares some special memories she carries of playing with her cousin Ghia Vue.

In this episode, artist and co-founder of In Progress Sai Thao, explores her early days as an artist, her work as a teaching artist and what is on the horizon as she continues to develop programs for storytelling.

I would say dream big. I would say come here and don't be afraid to do what you need to do and express what you wanna do. Cuz we can always find a space for you here. Yeeleng's interview is part of the Origins Podcast Series where In Progress founder Kristine Sorensen speaks with artists about their artistic development,  values and insights.

Being an artist is not defined by any particular moment in your life. You as an artist, have the freedom to practice your expression in any way and at any time that you feel. So don't limit yourself to one thing. Take time to master the things that you commit to.  -- Jem Ebony 12/31/21 Jem's interview is part of the Origins Podcast Series where In Progress founder Kristine Sorensen speaks with art...