Pancakes & Booze Art Show in Chicago

## The Backstory on the Traveling Art Show Serving Up Pancakes and Booze The Pancakes & Booze Art Show is a Los Angeles-born concept that has evolved into a significant pop-up art event across North America and Europe. The founder, Tom Kirlin, started the show in 2009, reportedly inspired by late-night IHOP runs after evenings out. This unconventional pairing of a free pancake bar with an art exhibition was designed to create a more approachable and less pretentious alternative to the traditional gallery scene. The event has a history of showcasing a wide array of artistic styles, from fine art and photography to street art and sculpture. The model is designed to be accessible for emerging artists, who pay a fee to exhibit their work without the gallery taking a commission on sales. Testimonials from participating artists suggest that this model can be a successful platform for gaining exposure and making sales. While the atmosphere is intentionally casual, the event attracts a diverse crowd, from art enthusiasts to those simply looking for a unique night out. The show travels to over 40 cities, with each event featuring a lineup of local artists. In Chicago, the event has been held for over a decade, indicating a sustained interest in this alternative art show format. The venue, Reggies, is a well-known rock club in the city, which further contributes to the event's non-traditional and energetic ambiance. The show typically features over 100 local artists and more than 750 pieces of artwork, alongside live DJs and body painting, creating a multi-faceted experience for attendees.