The presentation of work here exemplifies how the practice of working with needle and thread has expanded in modern times. The parameters that once held the craft of hand-made functional objects within domestic barriers disappeared long ago so that today textile art is an exciting innovative artform. Contemporary textile artists work with all manner of fabrics and threads, plant fibres and grasses, metal wire and felted wool. They construct 2D art works that suspend from the ceiling to dance on air currents or sit gracefully in protective frames. They also weave and sculpt sculptural objects that hang on the wall, sit on tables or stand on the floor. These two exhibitions provide very exciting works as each artist demonstrates originality and skill.

In her solo exhibition, Hannah Katarski's series Impact offers five neatly framed squares of hand dyed habotai silk and organza. Each is enhanced by a grid of smaller individual squares embellished with a symbolic motif embroidered in gold thread. The colour schemes chosen for each work relates to its title (Air is sky blue, Fire employs rose hues, Earth involves sand and soil tones, and Spirit a collection of mauves. The precision is both meditative and intriguing. Also much appreciated is Katarski's Life Vessel collection. Here five small urns are constructed from hand felted wool with additions of silk, organza, beads, thread, wire and machine embroidery. Each blue bowl is unique, some open topped, others with delicate lacy lids or standing on spiralled feet. All fine works indeed.

The mixed exhibition brings together different yet equally excellent examples of pushing the limits of the artform. Jennie Abbott's lidded jar Sacred Earth: Banksia Spring in shades of brown emulate the flower in the 'cone' stage of its cycle with beads suggesting it's seed follicles. Meanwhile the open topped vase Sacred Earth: Red Heart, with its delicate leaves, owns a sense of regrowth and strength. Both are constructed from hand made cord. These small objects are in contrast to Abbott's gossamer-like white silk panels that sway gently as then hang free from ceiling to floor. They are as delicate as the white stitched butterflies they wear.

Air currents also activate the delicate mobiles by Marilyn Farrow. Fine fabrics are embellished with beads and stretched over 1, 2 or 3 rings then hung from the ceiling. However it is Farrow's two sculptured leaf works that draw the ooohs and ahhhs.  My Backyard, a large philodendron leaf in greens and blues along with My Bushland, gum leaves and honky nuts constructed in bush greens and browns. kept calling me back. These works again witness the skill and imagination displayed by the keen and innovative textile artist.

Then, stretching the boarders of 'textile' art even further, there are the excellent sculptural works by Christine Atkins. Entering the gallery we find From the Heart a series of three large trees with roots embracing a heart, trunks growing straight and strong, and branches hosting a plethora of leaves. One can't believe they are composed of stitches! Taking the imagination and wonder of the artform even further is Atkins' Shelf Life series where native grasses and thread are manipulated to construct little houses. Their open doors reveal how they hold eggs, hearts, memories and other precious 'things' as they send roots down through the timber shelf on they sit. They bring to mind reliquaries that hold faith, hopes and dreams.

The fine works in these excellent exhibition open our eyes and minds as they give us much to think about and enjoy in modern textiles.