That's insane!
Sometimes I feel like it was just last weekend that I was crowned Miss Greater Wichita and then other times I feel like it's been eternity. I sat down this weekend and tabulated all of the places I've traveled as Miss Greater Wichita since February and figured out that I have traveled almost 5,000 miles from my home in Lawrence to various volunteer events, sponsor visits, promoting my platform as well as the Miss America Organization, and doing speed painting performances for events and organizations. I just kept truckin' along and didn't really realize how much I've traveled this semester.
As far as things go, I realize I haven't posted in a really long time. I finished out the spring semester of my Junior year at the University of Kansas successfully. I have officially decided to add a double major - previously I was only an Art Education major and now I have added on Illustration which I have been enjoying tremendously. It's been a TON of work but it is work that I enjoy and I have been able to translate into my speed painting as well.
Speaking of speed painting -- you can be sure that you will be seeing something new and thrilling on the Miss Kansas stage this year coming from me in the talent department. Cool story -- I went down into the Common Shop (the wood shop at the Art and Design building at KU), and started talking with Cotter (the man who runs the place) about my ideas and tentative design for this new easel that my dad and I had come up with over spring break. I wasn't even sure it was possible to make this thing, so after my explanation, Cotter asks, "Okay...so what is this for...?" And I say, "Well you know, I'm using it for a final project in this one class, but... end-game... I'm competing to be Miss Kansas." Of course I'm dressed half for studio work for my 8am and half about to go to the gym and he says, "Yeah you look like it," in jest. BUT then he proceeds to tell me how he grew up down the street from Debbie Barnes, one of our Miss Kansas's who went on to win Miss America and how she babysat him and about the banner that hung over Moran, Kansas saying, "Home of Miss America," for probably a decade.
How cool is that!?
So I have been working closely with him to bring to life an idea that was spawned in New York City with my father. If you keep up with me on social media, I post teasers here and there about my process and you can catch vague glimpses of a corner of the painting or the easel contraption. You can follow me on Instagram @annikanskywoker or my Facebook.
In 12 days I will be able to say I am entirely prepared and packed and ready for Miss Kansas 2015! Right now, I cannot say that. Mostly because this painting process is such a unique one and these 12 days are vital.
(Side note -- there will not be a webcast or telecast of the Miss Kansas competition this year... it's a bummer for everyone out of town, but I'm ordering a DVD that I will gladly share with you later!)
Wish me luck, keep up with me on social media, and I'll catch you later!
Annika Wooton
Miss Greater Wichita
