Long recognized as the nation’s hub of glass art, the Pacific Northwest is at last celebrating that pivotal role with a festival, Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Hosted by Chihuly Garden and Glass from October 17 to 20, this inaugural event gives visitors an intimate look at glass art in Washington, which more than 700 artists–from emerging talent to master glassmakers–call home.
Attendees are encouraged to explore the imaginative ways 50-plus artists and organizations experiment with glass through exhibitions, live demos, talks, tours and more during 75-plus events scattered throughout the region. That includes “Transparency,” the nation’s first museum exhibition of studio glassworks produced exclusively by artists in the LGBTQ community.
For those looking to try their hand at glass art, Blowing Sands Glass Studio, glassybaby and Seattle Mosaic will all host opportunities to create original pieces. Studio tours and an open-air art market will provide even more ways to connect with the glass art community. Artists, collectors, enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by Seattle’s burgeoning glass art scene are invited.
