Join The Museum of Russian Art for a special evening celebrating the release of Amerikanka, the debut novel by author and longtime TMORA supporter Kim Balaschak, alongside a special exhibition of Soviet New Year ornaments from the remarkable collection she and her husband, Jim, donated to the Museum.

Kim Balaschak and her husband lived in Moscow from 1995 to 2008, witnessing firsthand a period of extraordinary cultural, political, and economic transformation. Drawing inspiration from their earliest years in Russia, Amerikanka tells the story of Fran Livingston, an American woman who follows her husband to Moscow and finds herself navigating an unfamiliar world, a changing marriage, and an unexpected journey of self-discovery.

Set against the turbulence of post-Soviet Russia, the novel offers an intimate portrait of expatriate life during a remarkable chapter in Russian history.

Balaschak will join TMORA’s Curator, Dr. Masha Zavialova, for a conversation about the novel and the experiences that inspired her writing, as well as her years collecting Soviet New Year ornaments and the extraordinary collection she and her husband donated to the Museum.

The evening also celebrates The Peak of Winter, a special holiday installation within The Northern Palette: Winter in Russian Art and Tradition. Featuring Soviet-era New Year ornaments from the Balaschak Collection, the display offers visitors a glimpse into the artistry, imagination, and traditions of New Year celebrations in the Soviet Union.

Over the years, Kim amassed one of the world’s largest collections of Soviet New Year ornaments. She and Jim generously donated the collection in its entirety to The Museum of Russian Art, where selections are displayed each holiday season.

Guests are invited to arrive at 6:00 PM to enjoy the galleries and explore the holiday installation before the author conversation begins.

Wednesday, December 2
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM. All galleries and TMORA Shop will be open prior to the event.

Copies of Amerikanka will be available for purchase in TMORA Shop, and guests will have an opportunity to meet Kim Balaschak and have their books signed following the conversation.

TICKETS: $10 General Admission | $5 TMORA Members