This annual event always provides interesting viewing as it usually involves a plethora of exhibits by a multitude of artists practising in a variety of styles. This year the exhibition has been streamlined to twenty-six exhibits by eighteen artists. The result is a display that is interesting not only because it shows some fine works of art but because it poses certain questions about art..

There is no question that Holly Story is the deserved winner with her fine diptych Vanishing. Not only is the exhibit visually intriguing but by employing native grass tree resin to print introduced flora onto 'wallpaper' sized strips of blanket, the artist offers more then one valid interpretation.

Also appreciated is Concetta Petrillo's large haunting exhibit To those who teach the children shame.  A child sleeps in sun drenched innocence while the landscape beyond the window is one where wolves roam and shadowy figures lurk. By manipulating mixed media and modern techniques well, the artist relates an age old story in a beautiful visual vocabulary.

Jane Martin presents a gentler narrative. As we 'read' the long horizontal painting Balingup valley/verandah from left to right, we see how the artist records the day in colour. From the cool hues of morning, through the bleaching sun and heat of mid-day to the rich warm colours of sunset. This exhibit was awarded the inaugural  'Harsh Critics' award and may I congratulate the 'critics' for their ability to recognize an excellent painting when they see one.

Indra Geidans and Caspar Fairhall work their art so as to fool the eye, albeit in vastly different styles, while Julie Dowling can turn written words into haloes of pride for her family. These too are all examples of quality artwork.

So what are the questions? Well if the artists here are considered to be among the best this town has to offer, who determines that accolade? Looking at more then a few of the exhibits one recognizes how some show little finesse with the medium suggesting the painter rests their reputation on their name rather then their art. Another query is, was it a prerequisite for those who present two works that they select one good image and one unresolved effort? Perhaps it's a case of the luck of the draw. The exception to this phenomena is Richard Gunning who offers two excellent oil paintings of rather ordinary subjects that are infused with a sense of quiet joy.

The last question has to be how can the viewing public accept less then the best from any artist, no matter where they stand in the hierarchy? This remains an excellent exhibition as it inspires a quest for aesthetic, raises questions about art and attitude, and in some cases provides highly rewarding viewing.