By Mike Dougherty
 
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Freedom Riders and Bus Boycotters of the 1960s are the subject of an interesting exhibit at the African American Museum of Philadelphia.

Mug shots are normally viewed as embarassing evidence of poor judgement. Artist Charlotta Janssen sees heroism and determination in these faces.

“It’s the tribe of the open-minded opening everyone else’s eyes,” Janssen said.

They are Freedom Riders who did jail time on their quest for civil rights.

“And this moment that it was recorded, and you totally clearly get it, that’s that moment of confrontation, that’s that moment where it’s like ‘we’re going to bring about change.’”

Michael says Janssen’s adaptions of the mug shots are masterfully transformed into portraits of pride.

“It’s awesome and I think she captured a lot of the features,” he said. “And I’m really, really inspired by it.”

The exhibit is open through September 30th.