Happy New Years! Welcome to a Special Anniversary Edition of The 1-Minute Miracle!
This edition, we’re celebrating something extra special—MiracleArts’ very first anniversary on the 12th! Don’t forget The 1 Minute Miracle is your essential update on everything art related across Minnesota. On the first Wednesday of each month, expect a new issue offering industry insights, community projects 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 [email protected].

Solveig Stafford

Musician

Bio:   Solveig Stafford is a singer and songwriter based in Mankato. They have played original music with their alt rock group Citrine Shandy for several years and are now in the process of releasing solo music as “Solvejg.” By the time of this publication, their first solo single will have been released. Solveig is currently a Shelter Manager at Partners for Housing and is in the Master of Social Work program at St Mary’s University of Minnesota. They are passionate about connecting with people both through the arts and service work, and in the places where the two overlap.

How to Contact: Email: [email protected] Instagram: hallosolvejg

Executive Director: Xavier Thomas

Strategic Development Director: Timisola Ogundipe

Community Outreach Directors: Charles Osugo and Emily Landberg

Creative Team Maddie Kopp, Photographer ? , Creative Director ?

Financial Planning Director: ?

Grant Writer: ?

If you're interested in joining the MiracleArts Executive board, please contact us at [email protected] or call 763-772-2672.

A new year, but Resistance hasn’t gone anywhere.

By Prof. Insprio

New Year’s resolutions? Overrated. Promises fade; goals drive action. As artists, it’s easy to dream big, but real progress starts with action. Instead of saying, “I’ll create more,” define what you’ll create and how you’ll make it happen. A new song every month? Submitting to that gallery by March? Break it down, step by step.

This a call to action , I’m here to remind you to build your portfolio, finish that piece, and practice your craft. The War of Art by Steve Pressfield teaches us about Resistance—the invisible force that keeps us from doing our work. Resistance will tell you to delay, to doubt, to give up. Don’t listen. The only way to beat Resistance is to face it head-on.

Your masterpiece begins now. The clock is ticking—let’s go.

Thank you for reading the first 2025 edition of The 1 Minute Miracle!

I can’t express how grateful I am for the journey MiracleArts has taken me on. Starting this initiative has been one of the smartest decisions of my life. It has not only helped me grow personally but also allowed me to connect deeply with my community. Honestly, I wasn’t even aware of 70% of the resources included in our resource guide until I began this work!

Over the past year, MiracleArts has opened incredible doors for me: becoming a Big Ideas finalist, hosting Mankato’s Juneteenth event as an MC, and serving as a Minnesota State Arts Board grant advisor. But more importantly, it has introduced me to a new creative individual every day.

Looking ahead to 2025, my team and I are focused on hosting three Inspire Labs (skill-building workshops), expanding our consultation services, launching our official website in early 2025, and unveiling a refreshed brand identity that will roll out throughout the year. 2025 will be the year of Miracles

And, remember we C.R.E.A.T.E our own Miracles

Xavier Thomas, Founder of MiracleArts