Key Facts
- Performer
- Shelby Springall, Miss Iron County
- Talent
- 90-second speed painting of Dolly Parton
- Song
- Dolly Parton's '9 to 5'
- Event
- Miss Utah competition
- Initiative
- STEAM: Finding Your Sparkle
- Partnership
- Utah STEM Action Center, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Background
Shelby Springall, Miss Iron County, performed a 90-second speed painting of Dolly Parton during the Miss Utah competition. The performance, set to Parton's hit '9 to 5,' drew cheers from the Capitol Theatre crowd and thousands of views on social media.
Springall said she first discovered speed painting while watching Miss Michigan 2023 perform during the Miss America competition. Inspired, she decided to teach herself the skill and 'put speed painting on the map here in Utah.'
Her community service initiative, STEAM: Finding Your Sparkle, encourages children to embrace creativity and education. Through a partnership with the Utah STEM Action Center, she is helping pilot Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Utah.
Current Situation
Springall described the months of practice required to perfect the routine, including refining brushstrokes, rehearsing movements, and timing every second. She noted that even choreographed hip bumps were harder to perfect than the painting itself.
Before stepping on stage, Springall said she prayed for peace and visualized every brushstroke. 'The adrenaline kicks in, and I trust my preparation,' she said, adding that she adjusts on the fly if paint goes astray.
The biggest payoff came when the canvas flipped to reveal Parton's portrait. 'The audience absolutely erupts,' Springall said, comparing the moment to 'stepping into the best surprise party imaginable.'
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 seconds |
| Song | 9 to 5 |
| Subject | Dolly Parton |
| Venue | Capitol Theatre |
| Social Media | Instagram, TikTok |
Impacts
Springall said she never expected the performance to resonate so widely. Her favorite reactions are comments like 'Wow' or 'How did she do that?' because they mirror her own reaction to Miss Michigan's performance years ago.
As Miss Iron County, she hopes her performance demonstrates how creativity can inspire learning and confidence. 'My goal has always been to help young people discover their own sparkle,' she said.
The experience reinforced her belief that unexpected talents can open doors to meaningful conversations and inspire others to believe in themselves.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Springall plans to continue expanding STEAM: Finding Your Sparkle through her partnership with the Utah STEM Action Center. She also intends to compete for Miss Utah again under one of the Iron County organization's new local titles.
Beyond pageantry, she plans to continue creating art while pursuing her long-term goal of becoming an orthodontist. 'The lessons I've learned through pageantry and speed painting have shown me that some of the most meaningful work happens when creativity and purpose come together,' she said.
If her performance inspires others to pursue creative passions, she said she 'can't think of a greater compliment.' Whether she wins the next competition or not, her focus remains on blending creativity with service.
Source: stgeorgeutah.com
