Here is a place that we as In Progress artists can share our memories, struggles, hopes and dreams. Those of you that create, teach and lead, please share images and thoughts about how your day went, what you learned, and what you saw in those around you. Let this page help us to remember the beauty of each moment that makes us in progress.
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6.29.26
We had a great turn out for our Thursday Night Grill Time. New friends and old came by. There were lots of hungry people and great conversations.
Special thanks to TJ Lor, Marion Jandora, & Dhoua Vue for hosting the event.
– Kristine Sorensen / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.29.26
Our interns are providing extra care to Studio 213!
Special thanks to Marion Jandora and Dhoua Vue for founding Cookie Tuesdays. Each Tuesday for the next few months, they will be baking a batch of home made cookies. No frozen dough, no store bought cookies - HOME MADE!
So if you stop by during the week and see a plate of cookies please enjoy a few.
– Kristine Sorensen / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
Joy of Being artists and participants will gather in person (and virtually), to discuss project ideas and plan future collaborative activities. This project lauch is centered in a visibility initiative rooted in using digital art making as a tool to honor the diversity and joy that exists within LGBTQIA+ narratives.
There will be a light meal served and lots of conversation in the mix. This is an invite only event, however if you have questions or would like more information, please send us an email at [email protected].
110 South Main Street, Crookston MN. 56716
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.
6.25.26
Qin finalized his project planning and is developing a narration for his short film. We are excited to begin production!
– Tiana LaPointe / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.23.26
IP artist Raina Otoun led a powerful discussion about community, protection, and trauma as part of our Conversations Program on Saturday, June 20th.
The group shared intimate details about their experiences, the trauma and anxiety that is present to this day, and the community members that got involved when needed.
The Conversations Program is a pilot dialogue series dedicated to honoring the stories of immigrant communities.
– Kristine Sorensen / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.23.26
Please help us in congratulating IP artist Dhoua Vue, who was recently awarded an Ann Bancroft grant for her work as a developing filmmaker.
Her grant covers the cost of a new Apple laptop and film editing software. We are so proud of you Dhoua and the path you are on as a storyteller!
– Kristine Sorensen
6.20.26
Qin is a new artist to In Progress, but has a lot of passion to share.
We began brainstorming for their first project and began incorporating the camera. It’s an exciting time and I am super excited to see what stories are going to be shared!
– Tiana LaPointe / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.20.26
We wrapped up the week with Hector, focusing on how to take a track to the next level.
First, we worked on formatting songs to make them radio-ready. Then, we transitioned into live performance prep, learning how to bring those tracks to the stage. We covered the essentials of a great live set: crowd interaction, breath control, vocal emphasis, and commanding the stage.
– Simmia Nelson / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.20.26
In session one, we linked up with GB—an incredible beatmaker, artist, and sound engineer.
He walked us through the fundamentals of building a beat from scratch in Logic Pro. We learned the basics of loading samples, programming drums, and navigating the step sequencer. We also dove into the Piano Roll to work with MIDI patterns, learning how to pitch and tweak individual sounds to fit our vibe.
– Simmia Nelson / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.20.26
This week’s session was all about building a studio with John, a killer producer and sound engineer.
We brainstormed how to get the absolute most out of a $1,000 equipment budget. Since we already have the core essentials covered (laptops, screens, and a DAW), we focused on the hardware. We built a shopping list that features a solid condenser microphone, mic stand, audio interface, XLR and quarter-inch cables, and studio monitors.
– Simmia Nelson
6.20.26
This week, I met with Sincere, an amazing young artist, to explore how to coordinate open mics, connect with other artists, handle promotion, and design flyers, while also diving into the basics of beatmaking.
During this week’s session, we went over strategies for reaching out to artists, creating flyers, and mapping out a clear plan for the overall look and feel of the event for our attendees.
– Simmia Nelson / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
Join Executive Director Kristine Sorensen and friends as they fire up the grill every thursday. Over the next few weeks, artists, neighbors, and friends are invited to stop by for a bite to eat and some good conversation.
There’s no agenda, no program, and no guarantee the food will last—but everyone who signs up is welcome to come by, pull up a chair, and enjoy the company. Don’t bring anything except a smile and an appetite.
6.19.26
We fired up the grill on Thursday and offered up a quiet feed for those working and creating in the studio. It was great to have artists that have shared space, but hadn’t spent time getting to know each other, to share food and a conversation.
We will try to keep this effort going - so don’t be afraid to stop in on Thursday evenings for the next few weeks.
– Kristine Sorensen / Studio 213 / Saint Paul
6.19.26
Our Joy of Being Program is quickly forming its artistic leadership at In Progress. IP artist TJ Lor will lead the project, supported by artists Marion Jandori and Bhavana Goparaju.
The team will be working with 10 individuals (along with their families and friends) to collect and share images, stories, and creative expressions of the LBGTQIA+ community.
In Progress has been working with artists throughout its history to raise the visibility of misaligned and negatively stereotyped communities, and in 2026 we will continue the art of digital storytelling to further this purpose. It is a beautiful initiative and we are excited to see what stories will rise from this work.
There is lot of work to do to identify our storytellers, so we will keep you posted.
– Kristine Sorensen / Studio 213 / Saint Paul