lmost six months ago, when writing about the Bermuda Arts Centre's 25th birthday, I mentioned that in its early days there had been an annual, curated craft show and that it had been a great success.

I do not now remember why it ceased to exist on their annual exhibition calendar. All I know is that for many years, crafts were no longer much of a consideration, either at the Arts Centre or anywhere else that is until recent times. Sure I recall seeing craft items in members' exhibitions, but not for a long time has the Arts Centre devoted a separate show to the craft arts.

As far as I know the Arts Centre was the first arts organisation to recognise the crafts as a legitimate art form that was welcomed and encouraged by having an exhibition entirely given to that art. Indeed, from early times at the Arts Centre, at least one of the studios was rented out to a craftsperson.

I am not sure if what I wrote a few months back has had any influence on the decisions of the Arts Centre's management team, however their current exhibition is once again about the crafts. Indeed, the exhibition's title is, 'The Art of Craft'. This I am pleased to see. It is a good show that I recommend seeing. It is also a varied show, including wood turning, furniture making, ceramics, silversmithing, quilting, lace making, knitting and jewellery making. Furthermore, it is a large exhibition, with at least 151 items on show by 27 artists.

Obviously space does not allow for a detailed description of everything on show. I will, instead, select the works that impressed me the most, starting with David Mitchell's cedar chest. This is a modern version of the traditional Bermuda chest on frame. Even the dovetails are unique in that they give the impression of having been stitched together although it is entirely of wood.

I am pleased to see that David Morrell is once again making silver boxes, his 'Beach Box' being especially impressive, what with snail-shaped legs and a lid of aqua coloured beach glass.

Gail Marirea's quilts are beautifully designed and colourful, especially 'Running Around in Circles'. Because of their size, they bring colour and excitement to the show. Lark Lombardo's 'Crimson Wrap' is a knitted shawl made of silk and alpaca. Not only is it luscious looking, the way it is exhibited on the wall adds to its charm.

I usually shy away from writing about jewellery, simply because I have only a limited knowledge of this subject, but in this instance I was drawn to Alexandra Mosher's jewellery set called 'Reef'. Each item is made of silver with pink Bermuda coral insets. It is unusually beautiful and very affordable.

Considering jewellery once again, I am once again impressed by Mary Tatem's use of fused glass with precious metals. Emily Tolson's 'Moonshine Bracelet' is a complex, dramatic design made of a mix of sterling silver, fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Fred Phillips has a wonderful sense of humour, what with his found object constructions. I noted his 'Despair', a scene of being behind bars, with only a small view of the outside. His 'Friends' is about a large friendly dog.

Ami Zanders is versatile, prolific and very good at what she does, being it printmaking, weaving or basket making. For this exhibition, she is exhibiting yarn baskets, that is, baskets made with yarn. These remind me of Zulu baskets and I wonder if this is an influence. They are obviously labour intensive, so I wonder about her very affordable prices.

I am once again pleased to see Jonathan Northcott exhibiting his ceramics. For understandable but unfortunate reasons, he has had to take a hiatus from making ceramics, but the sooner he is back at making pots, the better for all of us. This does present an all-too-common dilemma in art making, however. We have wonderfully talented artists here, who are faced with either dropping what they do best in order to earn a living, or compromising their designs in order to sell. I know that this had been Mr. Northcott's situation and he is not unique in having to do this. The end result is a waste of abilities and increased frustration for the artist.

Considering ceramics, I am pleased to see several from Bermuda Clay Works exhibiting their creations, including Monika Landy, Rachel Furbert, Sundee Faulkner and Aubrey Hardy.

I am constantly amazed at the complexity of Gail Graham's designs, be they lace or Bargello needlework. It takes much concentration to accomplish her fibre art achievements. Considering the fibre arts again, Lynn Morrell's quilted wall hanging, this time on the theme of 'Old Maids Lane', is, again, a thoughtful and skillful visual feast.

Both Suzie Lowe and Janet Percy have used the theme of fish as the basis of their designs. In the case of Ms Lowe, this has been accomplished through mixed media, whereas Ms Percy uses paper mache and paint.

There is much more to this show that I have been unable to cover however it continues through April 23. This is a show for all to see and the prices are unusually inexpensive. Here are wonder bargains to be had. It is worth an outing to Dockyard and with the return of good weather, you can make a day of it; maybe even take the ferry.