The anticipation is heating up for the sixth annual Refract Glass Art Festival, taking place October 17–20 in Seattle, Washington. The event offers a unique opportunity to engage with dozens of local glass artists — from reality TV stars to newly rising talents — positioning Seattle as the largest hub of glass art in the United States.
So, what can you expect? Below are a few highlights to consider for your itinerary:
- New exhibitions include work by Morgan Peterson, season four grand prize winner of the Netflix series Blown Away, as well as challenge winners Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Gemma Hollister. Additionally, the Seattle Art Museum is debuting a new exhibition, Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams, and Kait Rhoads is the featured artist at METHOD, showcasing a large community project called Proto Kelp.
- Returning for its second year, a shuttle service provided by Tours Northwest will transport visitors to and from numerous private artist studios across Seattle, bringing attendees directly to the art and giving them the chance to meet the artists.*
- Events and parties, including Gather: The Official Opening Party* (October 17 at Chihuly Garden and Glass), Pilchuck Glass School’s 45th Annual Auction & Gala* (October 19 at Fremont Studios), a reception celebrating the works of Kelsey Fernkopf (October 18 at Pier 69), an Open House (October 18 at the Seattle Art Museum), and so much more.
- Refract Artist Open Studios featuring 16 typically private locations across Seattle (October 19–20).
- Artist demonstrations include daily demos at Glassybaby, Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Avalon Glassworks, Blowing Sands Glass Studio, Art by Fire, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and more. Additionally, the City of Shoreline is hosting live demos by Indigenous artist Dan Friday throughout the weekend.
*Denotes ticketed or RSVP-required event.
To secure your spot and view a full list of programs and events, visit refractseattle.org.
