More than 100 glass art studios call the Pacific Northwest home, from emerging artists to master glassmakers. With such deep roots in the art form, it’s no wonder that Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience draws in visitors from around the world each October to experience these artists at work.
So, what will this year’s festival showcase?
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Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience will take place October 12–15. To mark the festival’s momentous fifth anniversary, new highlights will include:
- New complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from several private artist studios, bringing attendees to the art more directly than ever before.
- New exhibitions, including Women in Glass, a showcase of female glass artists at Seattle Glassblowing Studio, a solo exhibition by Ginny Ruffner at Traver Gallery, and Luminosity, a group glass exhibit at Stonington Gallery of works by contemporary Indigenous glass masters of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
- Events and parties, including Gather: The Official Opening Party* (October 12 at Chihuly Garden and Glass), Pilchuck Glass School’s 45th Annual Auction & Gala* (October 14 at Fremont Studios), and a Closing Party at Pratt Fine Arts Center* (October 15).
- Exclusive tours and access to artist studios, including the rare and coveted opportunity to tour The Boathouse, Dale Chihuly’s private studio and hotshop* (October 12); Refract Artist Open Studios featuring 15 typically private locations across Seattle (October 14–15); a guided tour of the outstanding public glass art at SEA Airport* (October 13), and more.
- Artist demonstrations, including one by Jason Christian, a member of Dale Chihuly’s boathouse team (October 14 at Pratt Fine Arts Center); daily demonstrations at Seattle Glassblowing Studio featuring the region’s top women glassblowers including Nancy Callan and Shelley Muzylowski Allen; a demonstration by playful local artist Austin Stern (October 15 at Pratt Fine Arts Center); and an interactive demonstration by Manolo Aguilera, a Mexican artist based in Seattle whose work honors his heritage (October 15 at Cafe Aroma in Shoreline). The Museum of Glass in Tacoma will be hosting a residency with internationally known visiting artist Jay Macdonell (October 12–15).
* Denotes ticketed or RSVP-required event.
For more information, visit refractseattle.org.
Source: Hyperallergic.com