Seven-year-old Ayden Oliver was thrilled when his piece was accepted into the Art, Mimosas and Pancakes 10th anniversary art show.
The young visual artist began drawing when he was 2. His love for art ran parallel to his love for reading as series like Captain Underpants and Dog Man introduced him to new characters to capture with his pencil. Over time, he’s mastered the illustrations from his favorite stories and will make his art show debut at Art, Mimosas and Pancakes on July 19.
“They picked one of his ‘Dog Man’ pictures for the show,” Ayden’s father, Elgin Oliver, says. “We’ve been excited about it ever since.”
As the youngest artist in the history of Art, Mimosas and Pancakes, Ayden is in good company alongside more than 60 other visual artists. Founder Brock Seals says event organizers received double the number of submissions compared to last year, leading to the largest art show yet.
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“Art, Mimosas and Pancakes is another platform where we can put these artists on a grand scale and a lot of people can get this culture all at once,” Seals says.
With 10 years of art and culture celebrations in the book, Seals wanted to fit as many artists into the 2025 showcase as possible. He started the event in 2015 as a way to highlight creative art within the local community, paying out of pocket for production expenses while occasionally receiving monetary sponsorship.
Years later, Seal’s passion project evolved into a must-attend summer event, with over 1,000 guests attending the 2024 art show. When he looks back on the event’s success, Seal’s says it feels “surreal.”
Brock Seals at Art, Mimosas and Pancakes
“I’m happy that we are still holding true to our values as far as presenting art, and we’re welcoming in new people and a new community,” he says.
This year, organizers added man-made walls to the Hawthorn so more art could be seen. This will be Art, Mimosas and Pancakes third year at the Washington Avenue venue.
Live music performances are also returning with 10 St. Louis-based acts, including singer Mai Lee, rapper Branden Michael Lewis, Treevilla and the Kode Redd Dance crew.
The event also includes vendors. Seals believes that visual art extends beyond the canvas and that vendors are artists as well, redefining creativity through clothing and product lines. Their booths will add color and commerce to the event.
Plus, local pancake company Dan Cakes will be returning for the 10th year to cook up creative pancakes upon request.
As he reflects on a decade of loving art and breakfast, Seals can’t believe how far he’s come.
“Being able to keep this event going is a true testament to what you can do within 10 years and how being consistent can really change your life,” he says.
Artist Dev Thomas at Art, Mimosas and Pancakes
Seals’ friend, photographer Nicholas Coulter, 32, has been around since the beginning of Art, Mimosas and Pancakes. Coulter picked up his camera around the same time Seals started painting. He has been involved in the event every year and gained inspiration from watching Seals turn his ideas into reality time and time again.
“It’s cool when you really follow your heart and follow your dreams, and you can bring something to life that’s in your mind,” Coulter says.
Visual artist Ayden Oliver holds one of his drawings at age 4.
Coulter respects Seals’ “fearlessness to create,” and the pair have developed a creative brotherhood through their 16-year friendship. He says he’s seen how Seals’ work motivates and uplifts those around him. He made his art show debut as a photographer at the first Art, Mimosas and Pancakes, which shows the importance of creatives using their platforms to elevate others.
“It’s really unique to see how all these paths align, and someone who helps someone else, helps someone,” Coulter says.
Dad Elgin Oliver believes Art, Mimosas and Pancakes will help his son, Ayden, embark on his journey as a visual artist in St. Louis, where opportunities for child artists are sparse. Although it’s Ayden’s first show, his dad hopes the platform becomes the catalyst for a successful career. Events like Art, Mimosas and Pancakes will help Ayden learn about art show etiquette and how to be comfortable in professional, creative settings.
Most of all, Oliver wants to be there to support his son.
“It brings a lot of joy to me just because he found something early,” Oliver says. “I wish I could have found something like this early.”
As for Ayden, the first grader intends to continue drawing superheroes from his favorite series, especially Dog Man, who he says is “half-dog, half-man, and all-hero.” After attending Art, Mimosas and Pancakes as a guest in 2024, Ayden is ready to make his debut and has high hopes for his creative future.
“I get to draw stuff and then, when I get famous, I’ll be rich … and I can make my parents rich,” Ayden says.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture tens of thousands of images every year. See some of their best work that was either taken in June 2025 in this video. Edited by Jenna Jones.
