Refract kicks off tonight bringing some of the top regional and national glass artists and collectors together in Seattle. 

The four-day glass festival gets a little head start this afternoon with an Apertivo event at the Lino Tagliapietra Studio. Then its off to GATHER, the official opening night celebration appropriately held at Chihuly Garden and Glass.  

In its 4th year, Refract will highlight 70 glass artists throughout the weekend with events and exhibitions that span the greater Seattle region. There are so many glass experiences to be had it’s hard to pare down, but here are three things we are excited about. 

Exhibits

From Seattle to Everett and Tacoma to Bainbridge Island, you’ll have a chance to see new exhibitions by dozens of glass artists. Hop a ferry to Bainbridge Island and catch Seattle-based Ginny Ruffner’s retrospective “What If” at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Demos

Refract is pulling out all the stops this year with glass blowing demonstrations from the latest contestants from the hit Netflix series Blown Away.  Dan Friday, Rob Stern, Minhi England, and John Sharvin will be taking turns showing off their talents throughout the weekend. Their demos and exhibits can be found at The Glass Eye on Friday; and at Seattle Glassblowing Studios on Friday and Saturday.

Hands-on

If you are inspired by all of the demos, why not try a little glass blowing yourself. Hands-on lessons with experienced glass blowing instructors will be taking place over the weekend at Blowing Sands Glass in Ballard.

If you can’t attend in person but still want to participate, there’s no better way than showing your support through Pilchuck Glass School’s annual auction & gala.  In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still have the chance to attend virtually and bid on some amazing glass art and other items in support of Pilchuck. 

Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience is created by Visit Seattle, in partnership with Chihuly Garden and Glass.