For her first public showing and in celebration of Black History Month, Goldsboro native Mollissie Peterson will bring a sampling of her vast collection of art and artifacts to share with residents of her hometown.

Rosepot Collection: African American Culture Arts will be on exhibit at the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N. John Street in Goldsboro, from Feb. 4 – March 5. The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, Feb. 4, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

“Who we are as a people is the sum total of the stories we tell ourselves, handed down from generation to generation in a painting, sculpture or even a chair,” explains Peterson. “I’ve been moved to start collecting in an effort to pull together the stories of the past. In my journey, I realized there’s pain in our history, but also there’s so much strength, joy and celebration to be remembered and passed on. This Black History Month, I’m excited to share this work in my hometown because Goldsboro is where my story began, and I’m hoping to stir the soul of conversation and remembrance.”

The founding arts and cultural curator of the Rosepot Collection, Peterson seeks to tell the story of the African diaspora through her vast collection of art and artifacts that spans centuries, starting from the early 12th century to present day. Today, the Rosepot collection consist of more than 1000 pieces, including ceremonial masks from West and Central Africa, antebellum slave writings, art procured by famous American literary icons, such as Maya Angelou and Alex Hailey, and fine art by internationally acclaimed Ernie Barnes, Charly “Carlos” Palmer, and Margaret May Dashiell. 

While she has been collecting pieces for over 30 years, Peterson’s love for cultural preservation started with her grandfather William Henry Peterson, a community man and 32rd degree mason from North End District of Goldsboro. From her grandfather’s 1850s Planters Clock, the Rosepot Collection has grown into an homage to the thriving and resilient heritage of African Americans.

Peterson, a 1982 graduate of Goldsboro High School, currently resides in Burlington.

Emergence, an exhibit of artwork by Maximillian Mozingo, will also open at the ACWC Feb. 4 and will be up through March 18. This is his second exhibit in the ACWC’s main gallery. His work also has been shown in Kinston, New Bern, Raleigh and New York.

Born in Goldsboro into a creative family of musicians and authors, Mozingo’s artistic process began as a child sketching cartoons and comic book heroes. He is self-taught and relies on instinct to guide his bold and attention grabbing creations.

Mozingo designed the mural Together We Rise that’s located on the exterior of the Arts Council building and led community members in its painting last year.

The Feb. 4 opening is a free event and the public is invited. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Located at 102 N. John Street in Goldsboro, N.C., the Arts Council of Wayne County is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and other times by appointment. Groups are welcome and are encouraged to call (919) 736-3300 to let staff know how many people to expect.