The Ranamok Glass Prize Exhibition consists of thirty-nine pieces by thirty-six finalists culled from ninety-three Australia and New Zealand entrants, so viewers know they're seeing the best of the best. We are also seeing how the boundaries of the artform have extended beyond simply functional to reach totally fascinating. In the words of  exhibitor Masaharu Tsukahara (SA), "I like beautiful shape so I make beautiful piece." And he did with his entry Miyabi (Japanese feeling beautiful).

Make sure you give yourself enough time to view this excellent display as each exhibit is worth more then a few moments perusal. First the eye has to come to grips with the level of sheer beauty then the mind will want to inspect the numerous colour overlays, intricate engraving, cutting and sandblasting effects. Glass is the ultimate artform, as ancient as pottery as modern as computer imaging. That sense of timelessness and mystery is captured in the blown and engraved dark glass sphere, Between the Lines by Mel Douglas (ATC), a fitting winner of the prize. We admired this vessel then went on to select at least another dozen equal firsts, for a variety of reasons.

For example, the cast glass Blues Breaker by Simon Butler (SA) is the epitome of balance and beauty. It's cool hue and rough shallow interior of the bowl brings to mind crushed ice. And Kevin Gordon's (WA) blown glass vase Sleep invites and intrigues with its ocean colours, engraved half faces and its almost mystical quality. Looking at and into Gordon's work evokes wonderment as do the shadows cast when light shines through the vessel.

Then there is The Sunset Theatre, a collection of fused red, lilac and clear glass objects by Emma Varga (NSW). The rounded 'corner' on each are reminiscent of the Art Deco style; class in glass. But if sophistication is what you're looking for there is no going past the green blown and cut glass Blade by Benjamin Edols & Kathy Elliott (NSW). This elegant piece holds our attention and admiration with its swirling cut pattern and long thin neck.

Wendy Fairclough's (SA) Taranaki Daydream is a collection of translucent green glass replicas of domestic objects and fruit, each engraved with a fern motif. Kirsty Rea (ACT) is also inspired by everyday objects. Her kiln formed glass Fine Line ll  was inspired by the tines of a pitchfork. Both these artists employ their skills to elevate the mundane to the realm of fine art.

Despite all the exciting, engaging, beautiful and amazing works that fight for our attention and awe, we kept returning to the tranquility of The Fisherman's Son by Nick Wirdnam (VIC). This hot sculpted glass composition of smooth smoke-coloured fish swimming beneath a half-moon holds a narrative, one that can be interpreted on multiple levels, within a finely executed work of art. Go see this show, it's a highly rewarding experience.