Here and There. Julie Ryder, Sharon Peoples and Barbara Rogers. Belconnen Arts Centre. May

It was refreshing to see this notable exhibition of textiles as this year it was a rather neglected art form in the Canberra exhibition calendar. Textiles are used expertly as a mode of expression by these three well known artists to explore both personal and physical journeys. I felt the textiles in the exhibition successfully communicated something of the artists' own emotions to the audience. Sharon People's machine embroidery on net which charted her travel along the Camino de Santiago was breathtaking especially her three long banners. Barbara Rogers' abstract patterns on her textiles were striking and bold yet had subtle attention to detail. Julie Ryder's works demonstrated her expertise in plant dyes, her sense of textile design and her characteristic love of hand-stitching.

Light Translations – glass by Lisa Cahill and Holly Grace. Canberra Glassworks. July.

This was an exhibition originally conceived for the Glasmuseet in Ebeltoft, Denmark, so it was fortunate that we were able to see it here. The two artists created an indefinable sense of the elusive magic of glass and light. Both artists are sensitive to the moods of nature. Lisa Cahill's works endeavour to capture the essence of the light that defines the moods of sea and sky. Holly Grace's delicately etched images are of the gumtree landscapes of the Snowy Mountains and the birch groves of Nordic winters.

Peoples + Brand – Bilk Gallery for contemporary metal and glass. July.

This exhibition of witty and amusing contemporary jewellery was by two young artists, Nellie Peoples and Zoe Brand. Peoples' silver rings with their coloured crayon surfaces (Make Your Mark series) were fun as well as being beautifully crafted. Brand aimed a broadside at the consumer society while ironically making very desirable and wearable items of jewellery.

Black Box: Walls and Houses. Glass by Judi Elliott. Craft ACT. August

This solo exhibition was an impressive tour de force by experienced glass artist Judi Elliott. It showcased the artist's pleasure and skill in working with glass as well as an enthusiasm and energy that were heart-warming. She is an artist who unaccountably appears to be better known abroad than here in Canberra. However this colourful and life affirming celebration of the artist's skill and innovation in glass should help put that to rights.

Hindmarsh Prize 2016 – Canberra Glassworks. September.

This was the inaugural Hindmarsh Prize for glass artists from the ACT and region. It is a very welcome addition to the Canberra art scene especially with the demise in 2014 of the esteemed Ranamok Prize. Notable work among a very impressive field of entries came from the winner Masahiro Asaka, as well as Judy Elliott, Hannah Gason and Kirstie Rea. It was testament, if one was needed, to the high standard of glassmakers in the Canberra region.