The Longest Night, The Longest Fire

Winter Solstice Pit Firing
Saturday 20 June 2026 | Strathnairn Arts

Celebrate the winter solstice with a spectacular community firing event at Strathnairn Arts. The Longest Night, The Longest Fire invites participants to place their own ceramic works into a large open-air pit firing trench, where flame, smoke, ash and atmosphere will create beautifully unpredictable surface effects overnight.

Pit firing is one of the oldest ceramic processes in the world, producing markings and colours that cannot be replicated in a conventional kiln. Using natural materials such as seaweed, copper carbonate, leaves and sawdust, each piece emerges uniquely transformed by fire and chance.

As dusk falls on the longest night of the year, the trench will be lit and burn slowly into the night. Participants are invited to witness the lighting ceremony, then return the following week to uncover their finished works.

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.

Shoe box sized slots can be purchased by Strathnairn Arts Members for $20 or Non-Members for $30. If you would like to become a member you can sign up at https://www.strathnairn.com.au/strathnairn-members

Key dates

Saturday 20 June 2026 – Pit Firing Event

• Check in and confirm your allocated slot

• Bring your pre-packed container to the loading area

• Place your work into the trench under supervision

• Attend the dusk lighting ceremony

Saturday 28 June 2026 | 10am–2pm – Reveal & Collection

• Return to Strathnairn Arts to uncover and collect your fired works.

Conditions of taking part

Preparing Your Work

All ceramic pieces must be bisque-fired before the event. Raw clay will not survive the firing process.

A raku clay body is recommended, such as Walkers BRT. Pit firing focuses on surface effects rather than producing watertight functional ware.

Container Size

Participants book one or more shoebox-sized slots in the trench.

Your packed container must not exceed:

• 35cm long

• 30cm wide

• 20cm high

Maximum width of 35cm is essential.

A standard shoebox is a useful guide.

Suitable Containers

Containers must be combustible and suitable for transport. Examples include:

• Cardboard boxes

• Paper-based constructions

• Untreated lightweight timber crates

Containers will burn away during firing.

Packing Materials

Materials packed around your work may create smoke markings, colour flashes and texture. Suitable materials include:

• Seaweed

• Sawdust

• Dry leaves

• Coffee grounds

• Copper carbonate

• Iron oxide

• Natural fibres or hessian

• Copper or aluminium foil

Prohibited Materials

Please do not include:

• Plastics or synthetic materials

• Treated timber or MDF

• Glued, painted or coated materials

• Chemical accelerants

When in doubt, leave it out.

Event Day Requirements

Participants may place their packed containers into the trench under supervision, but all fire management will be handled by the event crew.

Please wear:

• Closed-toe shoes

• Warm clothing suitable for winter conditions

Collection of Works

Finished works must be collected on the designated collection day. Works not collected may only be held for a short period.Pieces will be cool but covered in ash and residue. Water will be available for basic rinsing.

Please bring:

• Gloves

• Towel

• Protective wrapping for transport home

Enquiries

Technical questions: Sui.Jackson@anu.edu.au
General enquiries: info@strathnairn.com.au