Faces of the World

Faces of the World - International Mask Exhibition
From the Collection of Dr. Donna Goldstein

For thousands of years, masks have symbolized protection, disguise, and transformation. They allow us to step into other identities, other stories, and other worlds. Across cultures, masks play powerful roles in initiation rites, healing ceremonies, dances, dramas, and sacred rituals. They reveal what societies value and fear — illuminating the myths, customs, and beliefs that shape human experience.

About the Collection

For more than forty years, Dr. Donna Goldstein has collected masks and folk art from around the globe. Inspired by her work as an intercultural educator and world traveler, she has used masks as teaching tools to explore how culture breathes life into creativity and to celebrate the beauty and depth of diverse traditions.

Dr. Goldstein discovered these pieces in bustling marketplaces, artist stalls, antique shops, galleries, museums, and private studios. Many masks are cherished gifts from friends, colleagues, and students. One special piece was even backpacked out of Mongolia by her mentor, Dr. Ron Klein.

The Artistry

Each mask in Faces of the World is handmade and crafted from a wide variety of materials, including wood, clay, bronze, papier-mâché, cord, horsehair, leather, copper, paint, glaze, glass, shells, beads, and feathers.

Every piece bears the touch of a human hand and reflects the spirit of a community — expressing identity, imagination, and transformation.

Exhibition History

Faces of the World has traveled widely and has been exhibited in city halls, universities, libraries, museums, galleries, conferences, and cultural events. The collection has appeared in locations ranging from Japan to Curaçao to Key West. Most recently, the exhibition at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, was extended multiple times due to its popularity.

Dr. Goldstein extends special thanks to Gregory Whitt, Arts Commissioner for the City of Raleigh Arts Council, and Kara Donatelli, Executive Director of the Sampson Arts Council, for believing in the value of this exhibit — a reflection of the many cultures of Sampson County and the diverse community we share.

A Universal Story

Each mask is a face of humanity — a testament to our shared desire to express, to celebrate, and to transform.