Miss Michigan 2023 Maya Schuhknecht earned the Kawai Preliminary Talent Award last Thursday at the Miss America Pageant with her speed painting portrait of Michael Jackson.
She won over 51 contestants and the Miss America finals will take place tomorrow on Sunday 14 January at 7pm and you can watch it here.
After her win, she said:
“I was once told that my idea of speed painting for a talent was a bad idea.
They told me I would never win a local title, or even step foot on the Miss Michigan stage. Well, last night I made history by winning KAWAI Preliminary Talent Award as a speed painter at MISS AMERICA!
Art is my passion, hobby, career, and therapy. I had the time of my life sharing my love for the arts with you all near & far! I hope you all were inspired, entertained, & had SO much fun!”
Congratulations Maya and good luck for the finals!
Here a video of Maya speed painting Michael Jackson a year ago:
