Valley contender hosting a fundraising event for 2022 Mrs. Alaska America Pageant

WASILLA — Palmer hairstylist, caricature artist Mariah Johnson is holding an online fundraiser for her run in the 2022 Mrs. Alaska America Pageant.

The community is invited to participate in an online auction for a three-hour party booking valued at $450 where Johnson will lend her talents to draw caricatures for any occasion such as birthdays and anniversaries.

The auction takes place on a designated Facebook page Wednesday, March 23 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the three-hour booking party will go to the highest bidder.

Proceeds from the auction will help Johnson’s pageant expenses such as transportation, wardrobe, and the entry fee.

Johnson recently launched Art for Kids, a legacy project that aims to support artistic ambitions and provide art supplies to local children in need. She said that she aims to use her platform as Mrs. Alaska to carry that effort forward if she wins.

“I definitely saw an opportunity to serve my community and make an impact in the state of Alaska with my service,” Johnson said. “I started Art for Kids with the intention of being to help children and families with healthy coping mechanisms.”

Johnson lives in Palmer and plans to visit schools across the Valley to encourage students to pursue art.

Johnson recently held an art drive at Apenglow Hair Studio. She said that she’s currently allocating the items to various outlets across the community. She plans to hold another art drive in June.

“I think it’s making a positive impact,” Johnson said.

This is Johnson’s second run at Mrs. Alaska America. She said that she won the Mrs. Congeniality and it was a fun and motivating opportunity.

“I want to inspire local women to run in the Mrs. Alaska America pageant because it helped me so much with self-development,” Johnson said. “The heart of pageantry is really about self-care. When you care for yourself and your cup is overflowing, you have more gifts and time, and talent to share with your family, your community, and all the people around you.”

For more information about the online auction, visit the event page at facebook.com/events/5224130 42797293.

For more information about the 2022 Mrs. Alaska Pageant, visit mrsalaskapageant.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com