In 1992, just months after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a handful of Russian photographers began documenting life after communism for a new independent newspaper, the Moscow Times.

Their photographs come to life in a new exhibition opening Nov. 8 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma. A Museum Association Membership party, which is open without charge to the public, will be 7-9 p.m. Nov. 7.

"Reflections: Russian Photographs 1992-2002" opens in conjunction with "American Artists from the Russian Empire," an international exhibition that opened Oct. 4. Both exhibitions, which remain on display through Jan. 4, are part of a larger schedule of Russian-themed programming at the museum.

"The new photography exhibition is a perfect fit for the exciting things happening at the museum this fall," said Ghislain d'Humi?res, museum director. "In October, the 'American Artists from the Russian Empire' exhibition became the cornerstone for our semester focused on Russian-U.S. relations, art and more.

"From guest lectures to film to education, our fall schedule, and this contemporary photography exhibition in particular, furthers the goal of cultural relevance through the museum."

The Nov. 7 reception will include a drawing for door prizes at 8 p.m. for paid 2009 Museum Association members featuring prizes from such local businesses such as Blu Restaurant, Earl's Flowers -- Gifts, Legend's Restaurant, Panera Bread, The Mont and University Bookstore. The grand prize is four 50-yard line seats and car use to the OU/Oklahoma State University football game Nov. 29, courtesy of Richard Bell, Max Weitzenhoffer and Fowler Toyota. "Reflections," a Library of Congress exhibition, features 50 images from four independent photojournalists documenting such varied topics as political and protest demonstrations, the continued celebration of military anniversaries, the effects of the wars in Chechnya, the presence of AIDS and more.

The photographs also catch special, timeless moments in the life of Russia: ice fishing in winter, the spring breakup of the frozen Moscow River, young soldiers celebrating on leave. Together, the images help tell the story of a nation undergoing radical transformation on many levels.

Regular admission to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is free to OU students with a current student ID and Museum Association members, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 6 to 17 years of age, $2 for OU faculty/staff, and free for children 5 and under. Admission is free on Tuesdays. The museum's Web site is www.ou.edu/fjjma. Information and accommodations on the basis of disability are available by calling 325-4938.