Historic Underground Railroad sites come to life at First Friday exhibition
A traveling exhibition exploring the Underground Railroad will highlight this week’s First Friday in the Crossroads Arts District.
Photographer Jeanine Michna-Bales will be on hand as her “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad” will be open to the public at the Culture Lab at Mid-America Arts Alliance. The traveling exhibition from ExhibitsUSA, which opened in Kansas City on May 1, showcases Michna-Bales’ works documenting locations — from Louisiana to Canada — that are tied to escape routes from slavery.
Here’s what you need to know about this traveling exhibition and other First Friday events.
“Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad”
When: Open to public, 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 6; other viewing times available by appointment through July 11 at 816-800-0926.
Where: Culture Lab, 2018 Baltimore Ave.
Cost: Free.
More information: maaa.org
Also this First Friday weekend
Buttonwood Art Space: “eARTh” group exhibition, First Friday reception, 5-8 p.m. June 6; runs through June 18; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. 3013 Main St. buttonwoodartspace.com
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center: “Rex Purefoy: Hollywood Cowboy Collection and History of Cowboys.” Opening event, 1-4 p.m. June 7; runs through July 30; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. kcparks.org/events
Gallery Bogart: “Not The Same as It Was: Revisiting Pop Culture Memories,” featuring six artists from Mexico. Opening reception, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 7; runs through July 26; noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Monday-Friday by appointment. 1400 Union Ave. gallerybogart.com
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 10:46 AM.
