06/11/2026
2026 has brought great challenges and powerful moments for the artists, families, and communities connected to In Progress. We have witnessed our neighbors face harassment and uncertainty, while also seeing community members organize, support one another, and stand together with care and compassion.
Throughout these experiences, we have been reminded of the essential role that art, storytelling, and cultural expression play in helping communities make sense of difficult times, preserve their histories, and imagine new possibilities. Those experiences have only strengthened our commitment to supporting artists and communities across Minnesota.
Over the past several months, we have also been working hard behind the scenes—catching up on projects, meeting deadlines, caring for one another, and laying the groundwork for the next phase of our work.
There is much to look forward to. New opportunities and powerful programs are taking shape, including Joy of Being, a celebration of story and image within the LGBTQIA+ community; the Convergence Filmmaker Cohort; Studio 110: Artists & Communities; Digital Journeys, our youth leadership program; and many more artist-driven initiatives that will be announced in the months ahead.
As we move through June, we ask for your patience as we take time to regroup, finalize schedules, complete reports, strengthen partnerships, and gather our community to plan for the work ahead.
The months to come will bring new stories, new conversations, and new opportunities to create together.
We have a lot to say, and even more to do.
p.s. if you stop by our Saint Paul studio - you will see strawberries planted in honor of Ghia Vue. Feel free to pick a few, wash and eat. Take in the view of our mural and flowers that honor her time with us. Give pause to the people that came before you and those you miss. It is June - our time of reflection.
As many of you have noticed many improvements have been made to this 120 year old building since we moved in 2011. We have a beautiful mural and garden to the west and an enchanted garden and patio to the east. Unfortunately the front of the building has been showing the weariness of time and use - so this June construction will begin on the front facade. Tuck-pointing and sealing, then fresh paint, cleaned up doors with new hardware, etc. It will be a blank slate that we hope to add to over time. Our neighbors of Hyggehus will be overseeing construction. We can literally see their business from the front door and have been wanting to work with them for awhile. So please be patient as construction is often messy and awkward. The goal is for.a July 1 completion date if weather permits.
Special Note: The building is not owned by In Progress, but by Kristine Sorensen. She is overseeing this renovation as she has others as the current steward of the building.
If you would like to find out more about In Progress - our history and the artists we work, please visit our website at: www.in-progress.org
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