“As Equals” Enjoying Art and Music Together
April 13, 2022
The idea for the “As Equals” concert for pets came to us after the isolating long days and nights of lock down during the current pandemic.
Our social circles suddenly contracted: family, friends, and colleagues all seemed so far away. When we were feeling lonely and overwhelmed, our pets came to our rescue.
We did our best to adjust and took comfort in small enjoyments during lock down. We now had more time to listen to music, to read, to beautify our homes.
Our pets were always by our side comforting us and sharing in our hobbies and pleasures. My cats Dasha and Masha were “paws-on” in helping me install 23 new outlets, during a particularly long lock-down period!
To honor our bond with our devoted pets, East West Fine Art* and Arts Planet** launched a series of events combining visual and audio delights, at the gallery show room in Mercato.
Daniela Shtereva, founder of Arts Planet selected a repertoire of beautiful music for pets and their owners that they could enjoy “As Equals”. The songs were especially selected to melodically and rhythmically to soothe.
And what a success!
The pups wagged their tails to the light polkas, and then curled up by their owners’ sides when the program closed with melancholy lullabies. Owners had no tails to wag but were equally delighted by the concert. We also witnessed our four-legged friends react to color in paintings, as well as in Daniela’s flame orange dress! Next, we enjoyed looking at some paintings of seascapes and landscapes by our beloved Russian impressionists. “Dog Beach” was an especially popular work of art amongst the pups.
We tried the concert on a small scale, and that only made our guests of honor even more special. At nearly 18 years old, handsome Rocky was rescued from Katrina, and has been owner Jen’s best buddy ever since. You can rely on Mischa, Jen’s second dog, to be a funny and sassy diva. Olesya’s rottweiler Ruby might appear intimidating, but she is as sweet as she is big. Ruby was comforting her whole family during Covid. She provided her snuggly body to toddler Aidan, teaching him how to be a “good boy”.
Hopefully, the lock downs are all in the past, but we will never forget the friendship and dedication of our four-legged friends.
We will prepare a second iteration of this innovative and joyful event in the near future. For upcoming art exhibitions and concerts please visit our events pages: www.eastwestfineart.com
*Founded in 2000, East West Fine Art is one of the most distinguished Florida art galleries. Owners Olga and Leeza Arkhangelskaya delight Naples with exclusive artwork, and unique cultural events.
**Arts Planet was founded in 2019 by Naples Philharmonic violinist Daniela Shtereva with the mission to provide enriching artistic crossroads between world-class guest musicians and acclaimed local artists.
Photography by Hana Snajdrova
People in the photos:
Leeza Arkhangelskaya, Owner East West Fine Art
Olga Arkhangelskaya, Founder East West Fine Art
Daniela Shtereva, violin, Art Planet President
Antonio Innaimo, cello
Georgy Shterev, guitar
Gregg Zavodny, Arts Planet Vice President
Leeza Arkhangelskaya, Owner East West Fine Art
Olga Arkhangelskaya, Founder East West Fine Art
Olesya Garshina owner of dog Ruby
Jen Darnell owner of Rocky and Mischa