Color in Freedom

Journey Along the Underground Railroad

The stories of the Underground Railroad are some of the most powerful in American history. Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad was an exhibition of 50 paintings, etchings and drawings by Joseph Holston created to capture the essence of the courage and determination required by slaves to escape; and to enhance understanding of the condition of slavery and the powerful instinct toward freedom. The exhibition was created in four movements similar to a musical composition, and tracks the flow of events in the lives of those who traveled along the Underground Railroad.

The exhibition was organized by the Arts Program of the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). An accompanying educational component consisted of an integrated, multi-disciplinary package including a virtual exhibition tour and integrated lesson plans as they relate to the virtual exhibition, such as: artistic interpretation of historic event; artistic technique and style, including color and form; and cultural and social significance. The exhibition was also accompanied by a full-color catalogue, co-published by the UMUC and Pomegranate Communications, Inc.