Origin Stories

Aaliyah McQueen circa 2019

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 experiences, from photographing the Rice Street Parade to curating exhibits and designing postcards. She has hosted family portrait sessions that celebrate community and connection and has taught camera skills to youth at the McDonough Recreation Center. Her work reflects a commitment to using art as a way to build relationships and inspire others. As an artist, Aaliyah believes in the importance of continuously expanding her perspective and learning new skills. She is a firm believer that age is no barrier to growth and that it is never too late to develop new passions. Her dedication to lifelong learning has allowed her to thrive creatively and to encourage others to embrace their own artistic journeys.

Kazua Melissa Vang circa 2014

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, Second Shift Studio Space, Indigenous Roots, Quarter Gallery at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, The Catherine G. Murphy Gallery, The Gordon Parks Gallery at Metro State University, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Kristine Sorensen circa 1987

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 circa 2011

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 / circa 2023

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 building connections with fellow creatives and writers throughout the Twin Cities.