Montsalvat Festival of Fire & Clay 15-21 June
MONTSALVAT FESTIVAL OF FIRE & CLAY FESTIVAL 15–21 June 2026
Introduction
The Fire & Clay Festival is a seven-day intensive celebration of wood-fired and multi-disciplinary ceramics, hosted at Montsalvat. The festival brings together leading international and Australian artists, emerging makers, and students to explore the traditions, innovations, and contemporary relevance of fire-based ceramic practice.
Please note - information will be added and edited here as details and confirmation of the programme are finalised. Please check regularly for updates.
Participants will be fully immersed in the wood-firing experience through:
Festival Program Highlights
Kiln Firings and Demonstrations
Anagama, Roman kiln, gas reduction, Hikidashi raku, pit, and salt firings
- Masterclasses and Technical Demonstrations
Led by nationally and internationally recognised artists
Artist Talks and Panel Discussions
Exploring history, technique, and contemporary practice
ALCHEMY – Guest Artist Exhibition
A curated exhibition celebrating invited artists’ work
Delegates’ Exhibition
Showcasing participating artists and students
The festival will host up to 100 delegates, excluding guest artists and volunteer support teams. Concession places will be offered to support younger and early-career participants as week passes only - day concessions not available.
The festival concludes on 21 June, aligning with Montsalvat’s Winter Solstice, a major public event that enhances public engagement through live demonstrations, exhibitions, and cultural programming. Festival ticket holders include entry to the Winter Solstice.
This festival is generously sponsored by:
Walker Ceramics
AMACO - USA
Skepsi Gallery
Morag Fraser
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International Artists
Two internationally respected artists will headline the festival, strengthening Australia’s regional creative networks and cross-cultural exchange.
1. Aaron Scythe (New Zealand / Japan)
Renowned for his distinctive cross-cultural aesthetic and technical mastery, Aaron will:
Lead a specialist making workshop
Oversee the Anagama kiln firing
Conduct Hikidashi raku demonstrations
Exhibit in the ALCHEMY show (Residents Gallery)
2. George Metropoulos McCauley (USA)
A pioneering wood-fire artist and narrative sculptor whose practice draws on Greek heritage, Asian influence, and folk traditions. Known for his Wood Fire / Red Neck Majolica technique and influential teaching career, George brings international profile, humour, and deep technical expertise.
Together, these artists elevate the festival’s academic, cultural, and professional standing, offering rare access to globally respected practitioners.
National Artists
The festival will showcase leading Australian ceramic artists, ensuring national significance, technical diversity, and a wide range of creative voices.
1. Sandy Lockwood (NSW)
Internationally respected for raw, expressive wood-fired vessels.Demonstrations and co-lead of salt firing.
2. Sue Acheson (VIC)
An accomplished wood-firing and salt-glazing specialist.Keynote address and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
3. Ted Secombe (VIC)
Renowned for large-scale vessels and glaze mastery.Wheel-throwing demonstrations.
4. Minna Graham (VIC)
Known for quietly powerful forms exploring balance, restraint, and material sensitivity.
5. Greg Daly (NSW)
One of Australia’s foremost glaze specialists.One-day glaze-making intensive.
6. John Daly (NSW)
Distinctive wheel-throwing demonstrations.
7. Kevin White (VIC)
Internationally recognised master of porcelain.Demonstration of his unique porcelain practice.
8. Owen Rye (VIC)
A seminal voice in Australian wood firing.Wood-firing lecture and panel participation.
9. David Pottinger (VIC)
Leading practitioner of Nerikomi/Neriage porcelain techniques.
10. Susan Robey (VIC)
Known for delicate paper-clay architectural structures.
11. Yuri Wiedenhofer (NSW)
Creator of ephemeral, landscape-responsive wood-fired sculpture.
12. Anna Maas (VIC)
Director of Skepsi Gallery and leading ceramics curator.Keynote on contemporary ceramic curation.
13. Jeff Mincham AM (SA)
A leading figure in Australian ceramics with a four-decade career, recognised as a Living Treasure and Member of the Order of Australia. His work reflects a profound relationship with landscape, material, and Japanese Raku traditions.
14. Deborah Halpern (VIC)
One of Australia’s most celebrated ceramic and mosaic artists, renowned for her vibrant public sculptures, including the iconic Angel, that bring joy and vitality to public spaces.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Programme
Festival Overview
- A six-day national gathering celebrating ceramic practice across multiple firing ranges.
- Featuring firings, workshops, demonstrations, talks, exhibitions, and public engagement
- Set within Montsalvat’s 92 year-old historic artists’ community
Daily Program Structure
- Morning: Kiln firings, demonstrations, artist talks
- Afternoon: Masterclasses, Discussion Panels, kiln firings
- Evening: Site closed (except scheduled overnight firings)
Monday 15 June
- 10:00am — Registration & Welcome in The Barn Gallery
- 10:00am — Delegates Show set-up in The Wood Workshop
- 10:00–11:00am — ALCHEMY bump-in in The Residents Gallery with Anna Maas
- 11:00am — Welcome & Opening - CEO Matt Jones, Kevin White, Sergei Shatrov
- 1:00pm — Guest Artist Presentation (Upper Gallery)
"Drawing in Clay: Story, Surface & the Human Hand" - George McCauley
Introduced by Dr. Owen Rye - 3-4pm - A Montsalvat Tour - an introduction, a story and tour around Montsalvat for attendees.
- 6pm - Montsalvat site officially closed
- All Day - Anagama firing with Aaron Scythe | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri Wiedenhofer
Tuesday 16 June
- 10:00am–4:00pm — Demonstration Workshops in The Barn Gallery - Dr Sandy Lockwood | Ted Secombe | George McCauley | Minna Graham | Sue Acheson - Finding Your Voice Workshop One-On-One | Greg Daly
- 11:00am — Guest Artist Presentation in The Upper Gallery
"Finding Your Voice in a World Full of Shouting" - Sue Acheson introduced by Kevin White
- 2:00pm — Panel in The Great Hall
"Why Wood Firing Still Matters in a Digital Age"
Dr Owen Rye, Dr Sandy Lockwood, Sue Acheson & Aaron Scythe introduced by Morag Fraser - 6pm - Montsalvat site officially closed
- All Day: ALCHEMY Exhibition | The Delegates Show | Anagama firing finish | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri
Wednesday 17 June
- 10:00am–4:00pm — Demonstration Workshops in The Barn Gallery - Ted Secombe | George McCauley | Dr. Sandy Lockwood | Minna Graham | Sue Acheson - Finding Your Voice Workshop One-On-One | Greg Daly
- 11:00am — Guest Artist Presentation in The Upper Gallery
"A Journey with Clay, Fire and Salt" by Dr Sandy Lockwood
Introduced by Sergei Shatrov - 2:00pm — Guest Artist Presentation in The Upper Gallery
"Shaped by Place: Landscape, Clay & Form" with Minna Graham
Introduced by Sergei Shatrov - 6pm - Montsalvat site officially closed
- All Day : Salt firing | ALCHEMY exhibition | The Delegates Show | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri
Thursday 18 June
- 10:00am–4:00pm — Demonstration Workshops - Aaron Scythe | George McCauley | Jeff Mincham | Minna Graham | John Daly
- 11am - 12pm Panel Discussion in The Upper Gallery
"The Future of Clay: Materials, Technology & Sustainability" with David Walker CEO of Walker Ceramics, Dr Owen Rye , Dr. Sandy Lockwood, Ted Secombe & Greg Daly chaired by Kevin White
- 2:00pm — Panel in The Upper Gallery
"Voices in Clay: Practice, Process & Presence" with Susan Robey, Minna Graham, Sue Acheson , Gabie Mello & Jeff Mincham
- 6pm - Montsalvat site officially closed
- All Day : Salt firing with Dr Sandy Lockwood & Sue Acheson | ALCHEMY exhibitions | The Delegates Show | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri
Friday 19 June
- 10:00am–4:00pm — Demonstration Workshops in The Barn Gallery - David Pottinger (In The White Cottage) | Jeff Mincham | Kevin White | Deborah Halpern
- 11:00am - 12pm Guest Artist Presentation in The Upper Gallery
"Lineage in Clay: From Koie and Goro to Now" with Aaron Scythe introduced by Sergei Shatrov - 6:00–8:00pm — ALCHEMY Exhibition Opening by Dr Owen Rye
- 8pm - Montsalvat site closed
- All Day: ALCHEMY exhibitions | The Delegates Show | The Roman Kiln | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri
Saturday 20 June
- 10:00am–4:00pm — Demonstration Workshops in The Barn Gallery - Susan Robey (workshop + presentation inThe White Cottage) | Kevin White |
- 11:00am — 12pm — GuestArtist Presentation in The Upper Gallery "Pattern in the Clay: The Art and Discipline of Nerikomi” by David Pottinger introduced by Kevin White
- 1:00pm — Panel in the Great Hall
"Teaching Fire & Building Kiln Communities" with Dr Owen Rye, Dr Sandy Lockwood, Jack Lätti & George McCauley chaired by Sergei Shatrov - 3:00–6:00pm — Hikedashi Raku Firing at Clay Talk with Aaron Scythe
- 6pm - Montsalvat site officially closed
- All Day : ALCHEMY exhibition | The Delegates Show | The Roman Kiln | Ephemeral Kilns with Yuri
Sunday 21 June
- 11:00am — Kiln Openings (Anagama, Salt, Pit)
- 2:00–3:00pm — Closing Gathering & Thank you in The Barn Gallery
Dr Owen Rye, Dr Sandy Lockwood, George McCauley chaired by Kevin White - 4:00–6:00pm — ALCHEMY Exhibition bump-out | The Delegates Show bump-out
- 6:00pm — Festival close
Exhibitions
ALCHEMY - in The Residents Gallery — All Week
Delegates Exhibition & Sales Woodworkshop — Monday to Sunday
Venue Address
Montsalvat 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham VIC 3095
montsalvat.com.au
(03) 9439 7712
Food Services at Montsalvat
Montsalvat's Meeting Pool Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm.
When booking your festival tickets, participants can pre-order lunch boxes for each day of the festival, regardless of whether the café is open. All lunch boxes must be ordered via this We Teach Me booking link by Thursday 4th June 2026 and will not be available to purchase on the day, however the cafe has many options for on the spot purchase.
Firing Submission Options for Anagama & Salt Kilns
- Each attendee may submit one bisque-fired stoneware piece for the Anagama firing and/or one for the Salt firing
- Details on what, how and when to send a bisqued piece will be forwarded in your confirmation email
- This service and option is available to paid attendees only
Enquiries
fireandclay@montsalvat.com.au
Who Is Montsalvat?
Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest continuously active artists’ community, renowned for its rich creative heritage, distinctive architecture, and enduring commitment to artistic excellence. Operating as an independent, not-for-profit organisation without regular government subsidy, Montsalvat sustains its programs through donor support, community partnerships, and delegate pre-payments for festivals such as Fire & Clay —ensuring the ongoing vitality of its festivals, education initiatives, and cultural events.
Accomodation Options closest to Montsalvat
here. 8.7km 22 minute drive to/from Montsalvat.
Crystal Brook Tourist Park 8.6km 16 minute drive to/from Montsalvat. There is a 7.6km walking track through the Warrandyte State Park across the Yarra that will take you to Montsalvat.
Eltham Gateway Hotel 10 minute 5 minute drive to/from Montsalvat
TERMS & CONDITIONS – Montsalvat Festival of Fire & Clay
These Terms and Conditions apply specifically to participation in the Montsalvat Festival of Fire & Clay.
Bookings & Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure participation in the festival events. All bookings must be made through our online portal: www. are accepted exclusively through this platform. Places in the Festival of Fire & Clay are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Cancellations & Refunds
Refunds will not be given for change of mind. If you have extreme circumstances and need to cancel your ticket, please contact fireandclay@montsalvat.com.au to request a refund.
Participation & Safety
Festival participants must follow all safety instructions given by artists, kiln leaders, and festival staff, particularly in kiln and firing areas. Closed footwear must be worn in all working and firing areas. The organisers reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone behaving in an unsafe, abusive, threatening or disruptive manner.
Kiln Firings & Ceramic Work
Ceramic firing is an unpredictable process. While every effort will be made to care for participants’ work, Montsalvat and festival organisers cannot guarantee outcomes or accept responsibility for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Photography & Media
Photography and video may take place during the festival for documentation and promotional purposes. Attendance at the festival implies consent to the use of images for Montsalvat promotional material.
Program Changes
The festival program may change due to weather, technical requirements, or artist availability. Organisers reserve the right to adjust schedules, presenters, or activities where necessary.
Details
You will learn
- The Festival of Fire & Clay celebrates the vibrant clay community by bringing artists, students, and the public together around the shared experience of making, firing, and learning. Participants will gain insight into the full journey of ceramics—from shaping raw clay to witnessing the dramatic transformation inside wood-fired, salt, and raku kilns. Through demonstrations, workshops, and live firings, artists will share knowledge about materials, glazing, kiln design, and firing techniques while inviting visitors to join firing teams and experience the collaborative spirit that defines ceramic culture. The festival highlights the traditions, experimentation, and camaraderie that exist within the clay community, inspiring new makers while strengthening connections between artists, educators, and the wider public.
You will get
- In-depth learning, community, friendships, vibe and inspiration
Appropriate for
Anyone who wants to learn and be a part of clay & community!
Preparation
What to bring
- Pots for Anagama and Salt firings - see details on how to send your pieces.
What to wear
Casual but warm - June can get cold! Morning temperatures get as low as zero celcius. Southerlies in Melbourne can be windy and 11 celcius tops. Expect some beautiful clear sunny days also climbing into the high teens.
Your Teacher
International Artists
Two internationally respected artists will headline the festival, strengthening Australia’s regional creative networks and cross-cultural exchange.
1. Aaron Scythe (New Zealand / Japan)
Renowned for his distinctive cross-cultural aesthetic and technical mastery, Aaron will:
Lead a specialist making workshop
Oversee the Anagama kiln firing
Conduct Hikidashi raku demonstrations
Exhibit in the ALCHEMY show (Residents Gallery)
2. George Metropoulos McCauley (USA)
A pioneering wood-fire artist and narrative sculptor whose practice draws on Greek heritage, Asian influence, and folk traditions. Known for his Wood Fire / Red Neck Majolica technique and influential teaching career, George brings international profile, humour, and deep technical expertise.
Together, these artists elevate the festival’s academic, cultural, and professional standing, offering rare access to globally respected practitioners.
National Artists
The festival will showcase leading Australian ceramic artists, ensuring national significance, technical diversity, and a wide range of creative voices.
1. Sandy Lockwood (NSW)
Internationally respected for raw, expressive wood-fired vessels.Demonstrations and co-lead of salt firing.
2. Sue Acheson (VIC)
An accomplished wood-firing and salt-glazing specialist.Keynote address and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
3. Ted Secombe (VIC)
Renowned for large-scale vessels and glaze mastery.Wheel-throwing demonstrations.
4. Minna Graham (VIC)
Known for quietly powerful forms exploring balance, restraint, and material sensitivity.
5. Greg Daly (NSW)
One of Australia’s foremost glaze specialists.One-day glaze-making intensive.
6. John Daly (NSW)
Distinctive wheel-throwing demonstrations.
7. Kevin White (VIC)
Internationally recognised master of porcelain.Demonstration of his unique porcelain practice.
8. Owen Rye (VIC)
A seminal voice in Australian wood firing.Wood-firing lecture and panel participation.
9. David Pottinger (VIC)
Leading practitioner of Nerikomi/Neriage porcelain techniques.
10. Susan Robey (VIC)
Known for delicate paper-clay architectural structures.
11. Yuri Wiedenhofer (NSW)
Creator of ephemeral, landscape-responsive wood-fired sculpture.
12. Anna Maas (VIC)
Director of Skepsi Gallery and leading ceramics curator.Keynote on contemporary ceramic curation.
13. Jeff Mincham AM (SA)
A leading figure in Australian ceramics with a four-decade career, recognised as a Living Treasure and Member of the Order of Australia. His work reflects a profound relationship with landscape, material, and Japanese Raku traditions.
14. Deborah Halpern (VIC)
One of Australia’s most celebrated ceramic and mosaic artists, renowned for her vibrant public sculptures, including the iconic Angel, that bring joy and vitality to public spaces.
Organized by
Montsalvat Arts Education
1149 reviewsNestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Clay Talk programs, including term classes, workshops, short courses, and special events such as the Fire & Clay Festival.
Bookings & Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
All bookings must be made through our online portal:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Payments are accepted exclusively through this platform.
Places are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Access to Clay Talk & Other Art Studios
Clay Talk coordinates all art programs located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For safety and security, access is restricted to enrolled participants.
Upon booking, you will receive an Information Kit outlining access procedures.
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe entry to studio spaces relevant to your program.
Refunds, Absences & Transfers
We do not offer refunds for change of mind after booking.
Transfers may be requested, subject to availability and approval.
Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates and times before booking.
Refund Requests (Before Program Commencement)
If your circumstances change prior to commencement, you may request a refund, which may be approved at our discretion and will incur an 4% administration fee deducted from your refund amount.
Missed Classes or Sessions
Requests for alternative arrangements must be made within five (5) working days of a missed session by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Retrospective requests will not be accepted.
Studio access sessions are not considered make-up classes.
Cancellation by Clay Talk
Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel programs due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrolments. In such cases, participants will be notified and provided with a pro-rata refund.
Illness & Medical Absence
If you are unable to attend due to illness:
Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Where applicable, alternative arrangements, credit, or a pro-rata refund (less an 8% administration fee) may be offered at our discretion.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Minimum value: $20
Valid for three (3) years from purchase
Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal
Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable
Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.
Firing of Work – Clay Talk Term Classes Only
Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.
General Requirements
All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.
We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.
Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Term Classes – Firing Conditions
For most term classes:
Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees
Additional firing will incur extra charges
All pieces must be labelled with your Maker’s Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)
Unmarked work will not be fired.
Damage
Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.
Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.
Fire & Clay Festival – Work & Firings
For Fire & Clay Festival participants:
Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.
All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.
Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Collection of Work
Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2–4 weeks after program completion.
You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.
Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.
Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.
Contact
For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:
📧 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
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