For the first time, arts organizations and artists stretching from Tacoma to Seattle and Everett to Bellevue are coming together to host events for Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Held October 17-20, 2019, this inaugural festival demonstrates why the region is the recognized hub of glass art in the United States and known as the “American Venice.”
A study conducted by the Glass Art Society found Washington state is home to more than 700 glass artists, from emerging artists to master glassmakers, and more than 100 glass art studios have made their home in the region. Refract offers both long-term collectors and those new to the medium four full days to explore the creative community, learn more about the breadth of talent, and celebrate alongside the artists who put the Pacific Northwest region on the map.
Be inspired at Pilchuck Glass School’s Annual Auction & Gala or mingle with new friends at Pike Place Market’s closing night party. Visit new exhibitions from celebrated glass sculptors John Kiley and Dante Marioni or Indigenous artists Raven Skyriver and Preston Singletary. Watch demonstrations of glassblowing, flameworking, mosaics, and more. Discover new talent and take home pieces from independent artists at the Bell Street Glass Art Market, an open-air shopping experience hosted by Seattle Glassblowing Studio. Tour the studios of Benjamin Moore Inc., Lino Tagliapietra, or one of the many individual artists offering open studios.
For a full list of programming, links to tickets, or to sign up for free events, visit refractseattle.org.
