Refract Celebrates 5 Years of Spotlighting the Seattle Glass Story

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?

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.