On Friday, May 8 a new art show opened up in downtown Minneapolis. The “Pancakes & Booze Art Show” at Bar Fly was a sight to behold. This touring show started out in Los Angeles, California with a group of local artists in 2009. Since then, it has grown to take place in more than 20 different cities throughout North America and beyond, from Honolulu, Hawaii to Berlin, Germany to Melbourne, Australia.

According to the company’s official website, pancakesandbooze.com, “We organize some of the largest pop-up underground art showcases in the country, with the best local emerging artists, musicians, and performers each city has to offer.”

With only a $5 cover charge, all interested patrons over the age of 21 are allowed to partake in fresh, unlimited pancakes, live body painting, musical performances and much more.

One local artist was kind enough to sit down with The Oracle for just a few minutes during the event. Amber McDowell is actually a recent addition to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, having just moved to the cities only a few short months ago in January.

“Art is my passion and lifeblood. It connects me to the world in a unique way and brings me new perspectives on life, society and the world around me,” McDowell explained.

As someone who has been a part of the art scene and immersed in it for over 16 years, McDowell offers a wide variety of styles for her customers and viewers, including watercolor and abstract pieces.

“My goal is to always create something unique and special the my clients will be proud to display and own.” She claimed to find inspiration in whatever the day brings. It could be as simple as just feeling happy and that happiness translating into flowers. What she views as her signature image is that of a city skyline. While a majority of her paintings showcase the Des Moines, Iowa area, she has begun to start tackling the Twin Cities. To learn more about McDowell and her work, you can visit her website ambermcdowell.bigcartel.com.