In Progress

We’re coming together for a real community conversation about how Operation Metro Surge is affecting our mental health, our stress levels, and how safe and connected we feel in our neighborhoods.

This space is about hearing real experiences, sharing perspectives, and talking honestly about what this means for individuals, families, and our community as a whole.

Come listen, come share, come be part of the conversation. Your voice matters.

Lead Artist: Raina Otoun (https://in-progress.org/otoun-raina-staff)

Date: Saturday, June 20th 5-7 PM

Location: Studio 213 / 213 Front Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55117

Please register below. This activity is intended to honor those recently impacted by federal immigration activities

Please direct any questions you may have to [email protected].

This workshop is made possible with support from: the McKnight Foundation, the Riester Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and anonymous funds given in support of artists impacted by ICE occupation. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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

In Progress presents Conversations Saturday June 20th 5PM Click here for an update from In Progress!

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

New Updates From In Progress Click here for an update from In Progress!

Join internationally recognized photographer and In Progress artist Xavier Tavera (https://in-progress.org/tavera-xavier-staff) for an evening of images, conversation, and critical reflection. Tavera will share a selection of his photographic work alongside firsthand perspectives on documenting the Mexico–U.S. border, as well as Latinx immigrant and veteran communities.

This artist talk explores the intersection of activism, the role of the visual historian, and the evolving art of photography.

A light dinner will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Date: Wednesday, May 20th, 6-8PM

Location: Studio 213 / 213 Front Avenue, Saint Paul

Please direct any questions you may have to [email protected].

This workshop is made possible with support from: the McKnight Foundation, the Riester Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and anonymous funds given in support of artists impacted by ICE occupation. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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

In Progress presents a new ARTIST TALK with Xavier Tavera Click here for an update from In Progress!

CAAL has a great program this summer! Please check it out!

Application Open for the 2026 MOVEE Summer Program!

Hello everyone! Great event with IP artist Kevin Yang. Please join Capitol Region Watershed! Bring the kids! It will be a great day!

Sidewalk Poetry Workshop - CRWD Join us on Saturday, May 9, for a Sidewalk Poetry Workshop in partnership with Public Art Saint Paul. Please register below. Attendees will be introduced to the 2026 Sidewalk Poetry […]

Look what just hit AMAZON !!!!

Major props to all of our IP artists that contributed to the making of this important feature film. Please rent or buy! Please share in your networks! Let's help our artists earn some residuals!!!

Bitterroot In rural Montana, a divorced man clings to routine after losing his job, facing the pain that ended his marriage.

Join independent journalist and In Progress artist Chris Juhn (https://in-progress.org/juhn-chris) for an evening of images, conversation, and critical reflection. Juhn will share a selection of photographic work alongside firsthand perspectives on documenting federal occupation and the role of artists within movements for social change. This talk will explore the intersection of activism and photography, highlighting how visual storytelling can bear witness, challenge narratives, and engage communities. A light dinner will be served.

This artist talk explores the intersection of activism, the role of the visual historian, and the evolving art of photography.

A light dinner will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Date: Thursday, April 30th, 6-8PM

Location: Studio 213 / 213 Front Avenue, Saint Paul

Please direct any questions you may have to [email protected].

This workshop is made possible with support from: the McKnight Foundation, the Riester Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and anonymous funds given in support of artists impacted by ICE occupation. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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

In Progress presents a new ARTIST TALK with Chris Juhn Click here for an update from In Progress!

Check out a great virtual event with IP artist Juno Vue. Information is available at the link below

JunoTheMix | Audio Engineer — Mix, Master, Record, Produce Professional mixing, mastering, recording, and production. Twin Cities engineer; remote sessions welcome. Booking, portfolio, and FAQ.

Big congratulations to Azomali Obisakin as her film Too Much was just accepted into the BLUE YOUTH - Curated International Film Festival. Her film will screen this spring in the country of Romania. It always makes us so happy to see the voices of our community shared. You can view Too Much by clicking on the link in the comments.

Hello everyone! Just a quick reminder to register to attend our Artist Talk with the amazing photographer / activist Kingdemetrius Pendleton. He will be sharing images and experiences from the last several months related to the Metro Surge. The event is free but it is important we get a head count so we have enough food. We look forward to seeing you all!

In Progress presents a new ARTIST TALK with KingDemetrius Pendleton Click here for an update from In Progress!