Wine and cheese, a jazz band and an array of Russian photography brought members of the Norman and OU community together Friday night at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art for the Museum Art Association’s 2009 membership party.

Guests browsed the exhibition, “Reflections: Russian Photographs 1992-2002,” satiating their hunger with an arrangement of fine food and drinks and signing up for the chance to door prizes provided by local vendors.

“Reflections” will be on display at the museum through Jan. 4. It showcases 50 images from four independent photojournalists, documenting such varied topics as political and protest demonstrations, the continued celebration of military anniversaries, effects of the wars in Chechnya, the presence of AIDS and more.

“The new photography exhibition is a perfect fit for the exciting things happening at the museum this fall,” said Ghislain d’Humieres, museum director.

Mary Jane Rutherford, who works in community relations at the museum, said events like the one on Friday would not be possible without the Museum Art Association

“The association sponsors openings, hosts trips and arranges prizes,” Rutherford said.

She said the Museum Art Association particularly benefits students because they have free access to events like the one on Friday. Students also have free access to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art with a current OU ID and receive a discount at the museum gift shop.

“I would suggest students become more involved at the museum because it will change their way of looking at the world,” Rutherford said. “Art brings the world here, we have exhibits from Russia, China along with Native American works.”

Brand Methvin, international business junior, said experiencing events and exhibits like the one on Friday is a stepping-stone to understanding the world for students.

“You learn to color as a child in order to cultivate your mind,” Methvin said. “Life without art is dull, American’s should stop being ignorant and experience it.”

Methvin said he was particularly impressed with the stature of Friday’s party and plans to attend Museum Art Association events in the future.

Thibault Agbessi, an international business exchange student from France, said he was surprised to see that an exhibition opening in Oklahoma was much like those seen in France.

“It’s a good experience to come to the museum,” Thibault said. “I learn a lot from art.”