New Gallery Encourages Visitors to Dine on Art By Larisa Kempbell The St. Petersburg Times Published: March 5, 2014 (Issue # 1800) One of the hanging cartoons at the new exhibition space. Photo: Artyom Zolnikov The last day of February saw the opening of a new art gallery based on the philosophy "Art is Everywhere." Located in one of the halls of popular St. Petersburg restaurant Favorite Place 22.13, the gallery is said by its owners to revive the location's cultural traditions. The first exhibition in the new space featured works by young St. Petersburg artist Konstantin Kazantsev and drew numerous art lovers as well as curious passersby attracted by the commotion of the opening. "This is not an unplanned place for a new art gallery," said Francesco Attolini, curator of the exhibition. For several years, starting in 1860, the building that houses the restaurant was home to a museum of imperial carriages. "Every last Friday of the month we plan to launch a new exhibit that will become an exclusive art and music event," Attolini announced at the opening ceremony. According to the organizers, upcoming exhibitions will feature installation art, painting, sculpture and video-art by contemporary Russian and foreign artists such as Alexey Spy, Oleg Kotelnikov, Angela Loveday, Massimo Canepa, Max Papeschi and others. Building on his experience as the owner of the OIOIOI art gallery, Attolini thinks there is a substantial lack of spaces displaying contemporary art in St. Petersburg. The gallery's first project, titled "A Magic Trip," presented Kasantsev's paintings of cartoon characters Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse and others on a wild trip around the Globe. "I use a mixed technique of acrylic, oil, markers, overspray and traditional canvas to create entirely new images of well-known cartoon characters," sayid Kasantsev. The 27-year-old artist also said he was honored to have been asked to be the gallery's opening exhibition. The event did not go unnoticed by diplomats and other artists on the local arts scene. Artist Irena Kuksenaite, the Director of the Italian Cultural Center Redenta Maffettone and others also attended the opening. "The nice thing about the new gallery is its integration into the restaurant," said Elena Bausova, a visitor to the opening event. Attolini expressed a hope that the new space would serve as a focus for the community where people can become familiar with the best works of both established and up and coming contemporary artists.