Seattle, regarded as the U.S. hub for studio glass art, invites the public to experience the colorful magic of Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Back for its fourth edition, Refract has become a favourite festival for visitors and locals alike.
Returning on October 13 to 16, this year’s program will feature new exhibitions, parties, studio tours, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect directly with studio glass artists – from rising local talents to master glassmakers.
[Glass art by Crista Matteson]
According to Chihuly Garden and Glass Executive Director Michelle Bufano, “This year will be an even bigger celebration of the incredible glass art community that we have in the Pacific Northwest”, adding, “We’re thrilled to share that Refract is returning with even more artists, exhibitions, demonstrations and events in person.”
“Refract has quickly become one of the nation’s most anticipated celebrations of glass art – with events appealing to curious newcomers to long-time collectors and anyone in between,” said Visit Seattle Senior Director of Cultural Tourism Tracey Wickersham. “That accessibility for glass art education is part of the magic of this festival. As a festival with primarily free programming, Refract has opened opportunities for more people to experience the beauty and depths of this craft.”
[Shoreline Art Project]
The 2022 program is shaping up to be the largest to date, with nearly 70 artists represented at more than 50 events throughout Seattle and neighboring cities including Everett, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah and Tacoma.
New Exhibitions
– Chihuly by Dale Chihuly (Traver Gallery)
– Perspective by John Kiley (Traver Gallery)
– What If? by Ginny Ruffner (Bainbridge Island Museum of Art)
– The Edges and Facets by Anna Skibska (Schack Art Center)
– #NaughtybyNature by Benjamin Wright (Method Gallery)
[Bri Chessler]
Events and Parties
– Gather: The Official Opening Party and Exhibition* (Oct. 13, Chihuly Garden and Glass)
– Pilchuck Glass School’s 44th Annual Auction & Gala* (Oct. 15, Fremont Studios)
– Glass Eye Studio open house (Oct. 14, Glass Eye Studio)
– Celebration of Native Art Exhibition Opening Party (Oct. 14, Seattle Glassblowing Studio)
– Aperitivo at the Maestro’s Seattle Showroom* (Oct. 14, Lino Tagliapietra Studio)
– An Artist’s Reception for Paul Cunningham (Oct. 16, Gallery Mack)
– Rare Guided Tour of Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse* (Oct. 13, location to be shared with registrants prior to event)
[Pike Place Market]
Exclusive Tours and Artist Studio Access
– Refract Artist Open Studio Tours (Oct. 15-16 at 10 usually private locations across Seattle)
– Glass and Décor Tour (Oct. 15-16, various locations across North Seattle)
– Glass Art Society (GAS) Refract Experience* (Oct. 13-16, Glass Art Society)
– Behind the Scenes Tours of the Glass Art Collection* (Oct. 14, Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport)
– Special Tour of Port of Seattle’s Glass Collection* (Oct. 15, Pier 69)
Artist Demonstrations
– Connecting Creatives with Dan Friday and Team (Oct. 15, Café Aroma)
– Daily demonstrations at Seattle Glassblowing Studios, featuring the region’s top talent
– Pike Place Market Glass Artist Showcase (Oct. 16, Pike Place Market)
*Denotes ticketed or RSVP-required event. Visit Refract Seattle online to secure your spot.
Images courtesy of Refract Seattle.
