This annual event is always a treat as it usually hosts works by some prestigious Western Australian artists who just happen to live in the Mundaring Shire. Participants this year, who are appreciated beyond the borders of said parish, include Hans Arkeveld, Wim Boissevain, David Gregson and Robert Juniper, all artists who are celebrated for the high quality of their work and their many contributions to the art world over the years.

However, don't make the trek just to see works by the above mentioned doyens, as you'll find you've seen most of them before. Instead, head to the hills to view equally fine works by other widely known local celebs Merrick Belyea, Drewfus and Chelinary Gates, and Patricia Goff.

The stunning painting Front by Belyea is the Shire's acquisition and one has to applaud their choice. Wider than it is high it offers an long low wall of fire. There is no 'image' as such just the beautiful manipulation of intense colour yet it somehow manages to portray the physical and emotional impact of fire, its voracious destruction and our own feelings of helplessness in the face of it. Stand close to this painting, squint, fill your field of vision and your imagination with the dreadfulness of the beast.

While Belyea captures the essence of fire, the Gates work together on a single surface to depict The Volunteers who bravely fight it. On a square canvas of broad brushstrokes in ash-blue and orange we barely discern a single figure holding back the incessant flames. We're confident the fire-fighter wins in the end however, as there is a tiny piece of rainbow where fire-light shines through wet air to tell us all will be well. Despite the myth making factor, it's a good painting.

Far from the flaming forest, across the gallery, is the large triptych Drifting by Goff. Using all manner of material and medium the artist evokes the total environment of windswept sand dunes, complete with tight scrub tenaciously holding together the structure of its host, under a washed blue sky. The broad swaths of clear airy colours and built up texture make fine viewing.

Also exhibited are paintings by local art instructors Trish Austin and Despina Maiolo, those ubiquitous trucks by Stuart Elliott ("Can be sold separately, please enquire at desk"), a drawing by Antony Muia (definitely an acquired taste!), a digital print by Inta Goddard (the new wave in art?) and landscapes by Crissy Hingston, Jeremy Holton, and Susan Tingay.

The gift shop displays more exciting art and craft work from lesser knows, providing some very interesting finds.