In her decade-long project Through Darkness to Light — Seeking Freedom on the Underground Railroad, Jeanine Michna-Bales captures the landscapes freedom-seekers traveling north through the Underground Railroad had to endure in 1840. Her photographic journey tells of the roughly 100,000 slaves' fight for a better life. Under a veil of darkness, men, women and children found direction by learning star formations and noticing how moss grew on trees. Michna-Bales highlights the rough terrains and raging rivers through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Catch her free opening reception at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Photographs Do Not Bend (154 Glass St. #104). The exhibit runs through April 15.