Craft / “Solstice – celebration marking the beginning of summer and the new year coming”. At Bilk Gallery, Carwoola until December 19. Reviewed by MEREDITH HINCHLIFFE.

THIS exhibition shows several artists new to Canberra audiences as well as artists with whom we are familiar.

Zachery Lechtenberg from the US is showing cluster brooches and a magnificent belt buckle. For those used to delicate enamel, these show cartoon characters in bright colours.

Another new enameller is Aurélie Guillaume. She is showing several works, again in bright colours. “Large Wallflowers” white and gold, are in enamel on steel and sterling silver. Enamel covers the surface, and these earrings are light and would be great to wear.

Eugenie Keefer Bell is also showing earrings, “Solstice Earrings”. Tiny gold squares have been dropped on to a satiny silver surface, and these oval-shaped earrings are sophisticated.

Two magnificent neckpieces by Sean O’Connell are being shown. One is in celery top pine, the other in ebony. These articulated pieces look simple, but are very complicated. The linear grain of the celery top pine, contrasts with the round tops of the pins, joining the links.

Two more unusual neck pieces are “Small tools for change (Swift parrot)” by Claire McArdle. Carved Swift Parrots sit on the edge of small shovel shapes, drawing out attention to the fact that this species is critically endangered.

After a difficult year for many, particularly artists, this exhibition welcomes summer and looks forward to a new year.

The collection is available online at bilk.com.au/solstice