The Shire of Mundaring recognizes how artists contribute to the community in a variety of ways. In appreciation of this fact leading artists who are current or past residents of the region are invited to participate in an annual art acquisition exhibition. This year the selection committee will have a difficult time deciding which exhibits will be purchased and added to an already impressive public collection, as this show is up there with some of the best from the past.

If the selectors are wanting a powerful work, the plaster, wood and metal bust Profiles of Hypocrisy by Hans Arkeveld will do very well. With excellent craftsmanship and in his signature style, Arkeveld invites contemplation on such concepts as freedom and bondage, insight and blindness. A powerful work indeed.

Perhaps something more gentle is preferred and if so Vanessa Wallace's series of four etchings Any Given Moment will fit the bill nicely. Each includes a circular image suggestive of nature, imprinted on hand written text so pale it's almost invisible. Thoughts of half heard whispers and fleeting daydreams come to mind with this fine suite of prints.

Strong and bright colour is always a good choice. Here we can wallow in the rich green, orange and blue of Denise Brown's painting Dreamscape that suggests the glow of a fire on a distant hill. Or sway to the dark mysterious hues and rhythmic brushwork that evolves from measured broad marks to intricate linear patterns in Michelle Theunissen's triptych One. Or be swept away by the strong colour and bold texture that races across the three canvases of Diana Johnston's Fire at Boya.

Elegance is always appreciated and if needed in the collection, Lynette Graham's large crackle glaze stoneware urn certainly fills the bill. Expertly formed by hand and glazed with accomplished skill, it sits proud and perfect, silently reminding us of the most ancient of art forms. Another example of an ancient art form, equally elegant albeit translated into the modern idiom, is the large kiln formed glass wall piece Desert Story by Elizabeth Maverick.

Antony Muia's grey enamel and pencil drawing Untitled would make a fine addition to any collection. The image may be confronting to some but as a work of art it is refined in its drawing, exotic in its subject, classy in its presentation, and humble in its honesty.

These and the other fine exhibits by Joanne Bowman, Dimity Gregson, Thomas Hoareau, Lou Lambert, Darren Meader, Catharina Titelius, and Elina Tolonen will provide the selection committee with a difficult but delightful time choosing its purchases. Head for the hills, enjoy a good exhibition and discover which works have been secured for posterity.