Local Persective

ARTIST Annika Wooton

Written by Ashley Streight Photography by Thomas Buchanan

The Wichita community is known and loved by many, including Miss Kansas 2019 and 2020, Annika Wooton. Annika moved to Wichita for her term as Miss Kansas and adores Wichita just as much as we all do. When asked what some of her favorite things to do here in town are, she said that live music events at venues such as Mort’s, Vorshay’s and Cleveland Corner make for a good time (and we agree). Annika comes from an arts background and is both locally and nationally known for her speed painting. In fact, her 90-second speed painting performance of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg won her a talent award at Miss America and the painting. Not only was it a huge hit with the organization, but Annika also received a personal message from RBG’s trainer, who said “I showed it to the Justice. She watched and was wondering what she is doing, and I told her to just wait for it. When you finished and turned it over, she said, ‘OH MY GOD – WOW. How did she do that, and did she have lines to follow!?” Coming from one of her idols, this meant so much to Annika.

Now that her term as Miss Kansas is complete, she is the interim Executive Director of The Kansas Alliance for the Arts in Education. She understands well that every single piece of technology, clothing, architecture, and advertisement that exists, once went through the hands of an artist or a creative thinker. She wants to ensure that preserving the arts in our schools and community (as well as others) is a focus. In her spare time, she loves to sit on her porch, spend time with her boyfriend and travel. Aside from arts, Annika has a true passion for having an impact on community, which she says was one of the most rewarding aspects of competing in pageants.

Her favorite thing about Wichita is: “It has a city vibe that still feels like a community. We are hustling and expanding. There is so much to do here no matter what your interests are, and yet you still see familiar faces everywhere you go. I love that.” She’s a big fan of surrounding yourself with a team and a community that supports you and your goals, and Wichita is a great place to do that. She says to: “Chase your goals. Take every opportunity, connection, networking event, etc. There are so many ways to succeed here. You’re going to shut doors if you don’t take the opportunities that come your way.” One thing is for certain, and Annika knows it well. The Wichita community is full of opportunities, and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much.