Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Sorensen.
Hi Kristine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Kristine Sorensen, and I am a founder and executive director of In Progress. Since 1987, I have been a practicing teaching artist and mentor, embarking on a life-long journey of listening to and supporting extraordinary storytellers. Before that time, I worked as a filmmaker and non-profit administrator, both of which have provided me with a strong foundation for the work I do today.
Early in my career, I was introduced to digital tools that offered new opportunities to broaden the reach of untold stories. Through this and my connections with extraordinary artists and leaders, I actively participated in the development of In Progress (1996), which has grown over time into a large and ever-expanding community of artists.
At 61 years old, my story has taken many twists and turns, but suffice it to say, I am leading a fulfilling life, doing the work that I love.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surviving as a non-profit organization is challenging even on the most ordinary days.
There are budgets, projects, proposals, travel, and countless problems to solve. In recent years, there was COVID and funding shifts, and shutdowns, there are continual challenges to change as artists’ needs change. And there is never an end to great stories waiting to be told.
However, the privilege and honor of maintaining our commitment to supporting this purpose, and remaining connected to artists as they evolve into genuine “creators of storytellers” is indescribable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, In Progress operates 2 studios. One in the north-end neighborhood of Saint Paul and one in the rural northwest community of Crookston MN. We also work in partnership with other organizations and groups both in the Twin Cities and throughout the state.
In Progress is more than a brick-and-mortar building, a job, or a budget. It is a place where people tell their own stories and create the memories and experiences that inform and as such, create In Progress. Our purpose is to “pave the way for new voices” in the field of digital art making. Towards that efforts, we support the development of artists and stories in the areas of digital film, photography, and music.
And when I say “we” I am referring to a host of artists connected to our work that provide instruction and mentorship to others. There is no cost for individuals to participate and learn, other than to show up, dedicate time to the effort, respect others, and share what is created with others.
Each year, In Progress, provides workshops, individual mentorship, access to creative production tools, spaces to create in, and places and reasons to gather. We also exhibit artwork that has been created by the artists we work with.
How do you define success?
Success is a tricky word and is undoubtedly defined differently by all of us working to keep this movement alive. For me, success is found within the spirit of the relationships that have and continue to develop through In Progress. It is infinite and at times transformational. Many of the people that were around at the beginning of our development as an organization are still involved today.
In the beginning, we had to learn how to be comfortable with one another, trust each other, and simply enjoy each given moment. As we have learned to believe in each other and in our visions for what In Progress can be, we have grown stronger. It has taken time, and patience, and a deep willingness to learn from one another. We have had to agree to disagree; to fail; and to get up and try again. We have had to give more and take less. We have had to learn how to create our standards for success and not depend on others to see the value of our work.
Many times we have had to go it alone. At other times we have had to step back and learn from those we work with. Often it has been the least noticed within our communities – the young, the poor, the ones living in the smallest places, that have taught us how to just “be.” We have become resilient, content, and patient with ourselves. We know we are not an ocean, lake, or river. Instead, we are the deep well from which we all drink. It is unglamorous – but it keeps us alive and refreshed.
Our boundaries are flexible. We know that we are stronger together than apart. We share. We laugh. We cry. We make deep and lasting connections through our stories – stories that belong to all of us. The artwork that we create carries precious memories because of how we made them. I believe that at In Progress, we all strive to be better and do better. We are unique because we are all in progress – every one of us.
Success can also be seen in the fact we are all forever changing – with each new person, with each new place, with each new story that is shared. There is never a dull moment. No matter where we are – when we are in progress, we are at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://in-progress.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InProgressMN
- Other: https://inprogresstoday.tumblr.com
Image Credits
In Progress, Wendy Drift, Kristine Sorensen, Rena Zapata, Touchaingkong Yang, and Tomas Leal
