The 1 Minute Miracle ~ August 2025

Welcome to The 1-Minute Miracle!
On the first Wednesday of each month, expect a new issue offering industry knowledge, community project and talented artists designed to spark your creativity.

There’s so much incredible work happening across the state, and we’re committed to highlighting it all. If you’d like to contribute articles or share your own news, please email us at @ Infomiraclearts.org 

Malia Braiedy

Dj and Writer  

Bio: Malia is a Minneapolis-based multi-disciplinary creative whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, public health, good playlists, and honest humor. A self-proclaimed Jaqueline of many trades, she works for Pro Sound & Light Show as an DJ/MC and Trivia Host, for the Ordway Center for Performing Arts as a Bartender, and for her well-being as a Podcaster, Writer, and Geocaching Enthusiast. Whether she’s behind a mic or having conversations in community, a majority of Malia’s inspiration comes from her journey with mental health and passion for education and de-stigmatization. 

While she’s always had a creative (and wandering) mind, Malia’s journey as an artist truly began to flourish in her recent healing, reigniting a passion for performance and positive presence through her regular Bar/Trivia communities and the comfort of her turntables. Her current projects include weekly trivia at Macaluso’s Roadhouse (Thursdays) and Shore 96 (Sundays) and her podcast on Spotify, minneyapolis, where she focuses on research, education, and storytelling surrounding mental and public health.

How to Contact: @maliabraiedy @maliasworldmn @minneyapolis

Tamina Muhammad

Can you share a bit about your multicultural background and how it has influenced your creative journey?

I attribute a lot of my influences in my artistic journey significantly to my multicultural heritage. As an African American Muslim woman, with Native American and Trinidadian roots has made me try to connect them by drawing upon my experiences and background to infuse my art with warm, bold, and vivid colors, showcasing strong women and motherhood aiming to evoke emotion in viewers. Time spent in various locations, from my home in New Jersey influencing an urban, freestyle works, to Arizona shaping my understanding of southwestern art, has further enriched my creative process.

You’ve been involved with Eastside Arts Council’s ArtMobile, can you tell us more about your role and what that experience has been like?

I have been a lead artist for the Eastside Arts Council's Artmobile program for about 10 years now. My role involves teaching free, drop-in art classes to youth in East St. Paul community parks, recreation centers, and libraries throughout the summer. I also work alongside an intern and other guest artists to provide these creative opportunities. The experience of being involved with Artmobile has been a significant transition for me, I’ve been an art instructor for the City of St. Paul recreational centers quite a few years. This position with the Eastside Arts Council has provided me with extensive exposure, allowing me to connect with other artists in the community. It also led to me having my own showcase with ESAC, where I was recognized as a "Minnesota A-list Artist." The program aims to keep at-risk kids and teens engaged and foster their creativity by bringing art supplies and professional artists directly into the community. This program is very needed, and I hope that it continues in the future.

Your upcoming community showcase, Art Through the Ages, runs August 14–17. What’s the vision behind this event and what can attendees expect?

The decision to offer these classes stemmed from a desire to share my passion and make art accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or perceived skill level. I've often heard people say, "I'm not artistic" or "I can't even draw a stick figure." My response is always the same: creativity isn't about innate talent; it's about willingness to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. These classes are designed to simplify art, breaking down barriers and inviting individuals to discover the artist within themselves. Also providing an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and celebrating their unique perspectives of what we teach. It's an opportunity to unplug, de-stress, and engage in an activity that fosters mindfulness and self-discovery in a community setting. 

Attendees of the showcase can expect a vibrant impactful journey through paintings that reflect Minnesota’s related themes of nature's beauty, travel, historic landmarks, landscapes, seasons, experiences, pleasure and joy. The exhibit is designed to be interactive and inclusive, encouraging dialogue, empathy, and reflection. I hope guests leave feeling more connected to their community and inspired to contribute their own voice and experiences through art.

Connect with Tamina

Website: facebook.com/taminadesigns
Instagram: @taminafunfaces
Facebook: facebook.com/taminafunfaces

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Crayon Kelly to celebrate Xavier’s 23rd birthday during our latest Create & Connect! The night was filled with incredible energy from musicians, visual artists, and creatives of all kinds. Shoutout to our featured winner, DJ Malia Braiedy be sure to check out her work and support her journey!

Prof. Insprio’s Creative Compass: Family affairs
By Prof. Insprio

Let’s be real some of the hardest critiques don’t come from strangers. They come from the people sitting across the dinner table. Friends who “don’t get it.” Family members who ask, “So… when are you getting a real job?” That kind of doubt can shake even the strongest creative spirit.

But here’s the truth: not everyone is meant to understand your vision. And that’s okay. Your creativity doesn’t need universal permission to be valid. Often, the criticism comes from fear. Fear of instability. Fear of the unknown. Sometimes, it’s projection. someone else’s regret disguised as “practical advice.” And sometimes, yeah, it’s just plain dismissiveness. But their lack of belief doesn’t have to shrink your belief.

When this happens, don’t argue anchor. Remind yourself why you create in the first place. Stay rooted in the impact your work already has, even if it hasn’t gone “mainstream” yet. Build a creative circle that sees you and supports your process, not just your results. Also: let their doubt fuel your discipline. Use it as proof that what you’re doing is bold. Unconventional paths tend to attract the most commentary. That doesn’t mean you’re off course, it means you’re trailblazing.

You don’t need your cousin’s approval. You need your own consistency. Your vision. Your community. And if they come around later? Cool. If not? You didn’t make this for them anyway.

Bzzt. So go CREATE without apology. You were never meant to fit their frame, you’re here to paint your own.

Thank you for reading the August edition of the 1 Minute Miracle!

First, a big thank you to everyone who submitted an article let’s keep this going! You can always reach us at [email protected] to share your work.

I had an incredible birthday month, why? Because it was filled with art, community, and unforgettable moments. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Create & Connect event at Crayon Kelly. You truly made the night special. One of the most meaningful parts for me was seeing my partner and sister take the stage and finally get recognized for their amazing work.

As we move into fall, we're gearing up for more interviews, events, and preparing for grant writing season. Our next Create & Connect will be on September 27th, from 8–10 PM at Aesthetic Religion Records & Texts in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Mark your calendars and bring a friend!

Oh, I almost forgot, I competed in a 90sec pitch for Stranger meets Stranger winning MiracleArts $1,000!!

Remember we C.R.E.A.T.E our own Miracles

Xavier Thomas, Founder of MiracleArts