An opening reception and a private viewing of the exhibition with attendance by the VIPs from the Russian-American community, leaders of New York political, business and art worlds, sponsors of the Russian American Foundation, national and international media. National Arts Club, Grand gallery, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY (212) 475-3424. By invitation only

An opening reception and a private viewing of the exhibition with attendance by the VIPs from the Russian-American community, leaders of New York political, business and art worlds, sponsors of the Russian American Foundation, national and international media. National Arts Club, Grand gallery, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY (212) 475-3424. By invitation only

The distinguished collection of Boris Fuchsmann, Andrei Adamovski and Alexander Suslenski showcases works of members of the “Society of Independent Artists” – an avant-garde group based in Odessa in the 1910s. Until recently it was believed that works of “Independents” disappeared without the trace during the Revolution and Civil War. In 2002, however, it was discovered that in 1919 Yakov Pereman, the chairman of the Odessan Jewish radical party “Workers of Zion” and a generous patron to young Odessan artists had shipped his entire collection to Palestine, thus rescuing for posterity this unique grouping of early twentieth-century art from Odessa. The second time the collection was saved as a grouping was due to the generosity of Boris Fuchsmann, Andrei Adamovski and Alexander Suslenski. National Arts Club, Grand gallery, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY (212) 475-3424. Admission is FREE

Kings Bay Y Community Center, 3495 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229. Admission is FREE

This cross cultural exhibition marks the first time the Russian-American and African-American communities have joined forces to present this unique display of cultural identity. Over two dozen quilts showcase the diversity and exuberance of some of the most talented Russian and African-American crafts and fiber artists. National Arts Club, Grand gallery, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY (212) 475-3424. Admission is FREE

Concert program includes appearance of stars of off-Broadway show “ImaginOcean”, Yevgeni Shapovalov. Best of the youth groups from the Russian American community perform. Entertaining events and ethnic performances by local and international artists, carnival attractions, and mouth-watering foods. Representatives of health care centers educate visitors and provide free medical testing. Oceana Hall, 1029 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brooklyn 11235. Admission is FREE

Traditionally, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg opens the Russian Heritage Festival with an exclusive black tie event. This year, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will be honoring Mr. Slava Zaitsev, Russia’s Internationally acclaimed Haute Couture designer; Mr. Boris Fuchsmann, Co-owner at INN International Trading & Sharing GmbH and Ukrainian Media Group; H.E. Mrs. Byrganym Aitimova, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations; Mr. Edward Mermelstein, Managing Partner at Rheem Bell & Mermelstein and Mermelstein Development; Ms. Irina Shayk, first Russian model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Among invitees are Russian American Foundation’s sponsors, community, business and corporate leaders, celebrities, national and international media. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10028. By invitation only

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will salute the Russian Heritage Festival® with a private reception for community leaders, VIPs and RAF’s Sponsors. 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209. By Invitation only

Brilliant American violinist Philippe Quint stars in a new film from the producer of Brokeback Mountain and Amadeus. Shot entirely on location in New York, Downtown Express tells the story of a Russian violinist coming to the big city to study at the Juilliard School – mirroring Quint’s own life experience. Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025, 212 864 5400. Tickets are available for purchase in the box office: $20.

Maestro Sergey Khanukaev performs with the outstanding American musicians of Russian descent – pianist Vladimir Pleshakov and violinist Philippe Quint. The concert program of the Russian premiere orchestra includes Serenades by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich Concerto in C minor for Piano, Trumpet, and String Orchestra – Vladimir Pleshakov soloist (piano), Waltz and Melody by Tchaikovsky – Philippe Quint soloist (violin). Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025, 212 864 5400.Tickets are available for purchase in the box office: $30.