CAMBRIDGE – In honor of Black History Month, the Dorchester Center for the Arts recognizes Black American artists who have achieved groundbreaking success in their craft. Part of the exhibition highlights extraordinary fiber artists from the region whose quilts and fiber mixed media art pieces depict a range of Black life in America, both realistic and imaginary.

The exhibit also features profiles of 19 African American artisans who became trailblazers in the areas of architecture, photography, fine arts, cinema, and fashion design. “They endured the harshest of times,” states exhibit creator Jennifer Hartfield, visual arts coordinator at DCA, “facing racial discrimination, segregation and systemic inequality; yet despite those challenges they each persevered to become leaders in their respective professions. It is important for us to explore, acknowledge and appreciate their significant contributions to American history and the world.”

This exhibit fills the H. Theodore and Barbara S. Wilson Gallery, the Graham and Judith Slaughter Hall Gallery, and the Main Gallery, and runs through Feb. 24. Gallery hours at DCA are Tuesday and Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Songs of Freedom, Journeying the Underground Railroad”

As a special celebration, on Feb. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. DCA is pleased to welcome Linda Harris, vocalist and narrator; David B. Cole, guitar; Greg Holloway, percussion; and Emory Diggs, bass, presenting “Songs of Freedom, Journeying the Underground Railroad,” a show created by Linda honoring the code songs used on the clandestine journey along the Underground Railroad by Harriet Tubman and the Freedom Seekers in 1849.

Harriet Tubman, born in 1822, embarked upon her first Journey to Freedom in 1849 and traveled a clandestine route from Dorchester County to Philadelphia. The route was an extensive network of people, codes and safe houses.

Harriet Tubman completed 13 successful journeys on the Underground Railroad and led 70 men, women and children to freedom above the Mason-Dixon Line. The concert will be held in the George B. Todd Performance Hall. Free – all are welcome.

For registration and/or more information on other activities and events at DCA, stop by 321 High St., call 410-228-7782 or visit online at dorchesterarts.org. Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council. Find us on Facebook.