A small, scalloped mirror hangs from a silver ribbon. On the mirror appears the query, “And You Are?” This petite art piece, along with dozens of others, happily, fearfully and mysteriously set the stage for, “Masks” a new exhibition at Gallery on the Green.

“To mask is not only to hide, but to re-identify the wearer,” says, “Masks” curator David Holzman. While the wearing of masks has played an integral part in many ancient cultures, Holzman believes that modern technology also affords the user an opportunity to wear and express different identities. “Every uploaded self-image is a contemporary effort at masking-hiding or re-engineering an identity.”

Some of these masked identities will be provided by student artists. Holzman, a sculptor and art teacher in Simsbury, invited his students to participate in the exhibit. Their masks, decorated with feathers, paint, fabric and beading form a unique community that takes center stage on one wall of the Gallery. “The mask form,” says Holzman, “gives kids a chance to experience a transformed identity in a safe and reversible process.”

Inspired by the concept of how people can express or perhaps even suppress identity, Kent McCoy, a Canton Artists’ Guild Board member, invited their membership to also create masks for display in the exhibit. This call to action produced wearable, sculpted and painted masks crafted from crystals, metal, flowers, beads and other treasured finds. Guild member creations will be auctioned off, at the end of the evening, to benefit the Gallery.

McCoy, however, didn’t stop there. “Once you have masks and a fundraiser, the concept of a masked ball was just one step away!  We wanted to make the evening as fun and off-kilter as possible, so we’re inviting our guests to arrive with `creative black tie.’ This means anything that makes you want to dance – to swing and Latin music performed by the Canton High School Jazz Band – is appropriate. The Gallery will be decorated in black and white, with special food and drink for the event. Guests in masks will add an element of mystery and fun."

“How does one interpret the meaning of the hidden?” asks Holzman. About Town is actually counting on the various answers to that query. It will be helpful in trying to get a semi-disguised Salsa or Tango with McCoy and maybe even Holzman. The beauty of a mask, with its identity of mis-identity, is that they’ll never see my two left feet coming.

Here’s the Deal

Gallery on the Green, Dowd Avenue & Route 44; 860-693-4102: www.galleryonthegreen.org.

Entry to the Masked Ball and Masks exhibit is free to the public. Masks, for those who come without one, will be available at the Gallery.

In addition to the Masked Ball, Gallery on the Green will also host two additional exhibits on its second floor: Felix Bronner, “Paintings” and Marlene Mayes, “Seasonal Meditations.