Q. What do you get when you bring together 44 creative and talented artists with magic hands that are capable of turning mud into magnificent objects that amaze and delight, the mind and eye? A. This excellent exhibition of ceramic art.

The first impression when entering the gallery is akin to that of a child walking into a candy store. While perusing this well presented collection of fine ceramic work, the oooooo's and aaaahhhhh's from other visitors seem to carry you along. Here you'll find a range of large and small, decorative and functional, modern and traditional, works by emerging and established ceramic artists. And you'd be hard pressed to find one you wouldn't want to take home.

Consider Ian Beniston's impressive red Shinsha, a perfectly turned, copper glazed vessel that radiates a sense of Oriental elegance with its balance of design and function. Harmony of design is also found in Bela Kotai's work. His large stoneware, pod shaped exhibits own a sculptural aspect in their form, finish and presence. Quite magnificent.

Less bold in size and structure but equally appreciated are Sandra Black's polished porcelain Etched series and Andrea Vinkovic's porcelain Bubble Bowl. These works in white seem to celebrate the flexibility of the earthy material. Like spider webs, they appear fragile yet are quite strong in construction and beauty. Although not as 'open' as the previous examples, Josephine Pittman's carved and pierced white porcelain and paperclay Feeding Cell has the same combination of strength and delicacy.

Colour is also celebrated this exhibition. There are the rich hues and elegant shapes found in the works of Njalikwa Chongwe and in Cate & Gigi Cosi's maiolica Turchese Barocco. Excellent!. Also colourful, in both hue and imagery, are the amazing sea/horse Mare-Maid and exotic tea pot High Tea-se by Robin Lees. And there are other examples of figure work, like Amanda Shelsher's androgynous forms; the all white Pure and Metamorphosis with banksias etched into its black surface.

Much appreciated is Ulla Zettergren's charming earthenware 'narratives' that involve a collection of figures. They left at night travelling under the moon suggests a fantastical adventure undertaken by a man, a horse, a cat, a bird, and a fish. Then there is Fleur Schell's dual porcelain works, one a girl with a kitten in her pocket the other a cactus supporting a small bird in a nest, that work together to tell the story Finding a nest. A different tale is told with Melanie Mackenzie's set of three different sized panels, each suspended within a frame and entitled Evoking Memories. The repeated pattern of domes and buildings, and the word 'Firenze' inscribed on the base, brings to mind thoughts of Florence, Italy. Ahhh, happy memories indeed!

There are many more fine exhibits to appreciate in this presentation and more then a few you will want to take home with you. Treat yourself with a trip to the gallery and enjoy the experience of excellence.