Masks: They're not just for Halloween anymore.

Rituals, plays, parades, protests — you name it, most public spectacles have made use of the mask in some way, whether for disguise, trickery, comedy or social criticism. Sometimes, though, the art of the mask gets overshadowed by its function.

Art in City Hall's latest exhibition reveals that many local visual artists are taking advantage of the ancient form by working with materials, shapes and images not normally associated with masks. The 21-artist-strong "Contemporary Masks" features everything from the Dumpster-diving sensibility of found-object art to works that draw on African and oceanic tribal imagery, highly influential on so much modern and contemporary art.

John Hollis assembled cell phones and PVC tubing into a futuristic Tech Man mask, while Xiomara Babilonia's ceremonial-type ceramic masks are meant to evoke Japanese samurai traditions. Chanthaphone Rajavong merges Laotian weaving techniques with electronic equipment for an anachronistic effect. Maryann Worrell and Uta Fellechner take the opportunity to make social and political statements about the pain of cancer and human survival.

Theater artists, too, constantly experiment with the mask in costume and prop design, and one renowned local theater company, Mum Puppettheatre, is represented by the work of three mask-makers: artistic director Robert Smythe, as well as Stephen C. Layne (whose Fox mask is pictured) and Martina Plag.

Even if the mere mention of the word gives you Eyes Wide Shut-esque nightmares, "Contemporary Masks" can at least enlighten you about what makes these disguises so effective and, often, beautiful.

"Contemporary Masks," reception Wed., Aug. 17, 5-7 p.m., through Oct. 14, City Hall, Broad and Market sts., northeast corner, second and fourth floors, 215-683-2078.