SEATTLE – Seattle, regarded as the U.S. hub for studio glass art, invites people to experience the colourful magic of Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Back for its fourth year, Refract has become a favourite festival for visitors and locals alike. Returning Oct. 13-16, the 2022 program will feature new exhibitions, parties, studio tours, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect directly with studio glass artists – from rising local talents to master glassmakers.
“This year will be an even bigger celebration of the incredible glass art community that we have in the Pacific Northwest,” said Chihuly Garden and Glass Executive Director Michelle Bufano. “We’re thrilled to share that Refract is returning with even more artists, exhibitions, demonstrations and events in person. Our glass community is gearing up for this one-of-a-kind experience, perfect for all art enthusiasts.”
“Refract has quickly become one of the nation’s most anticipated celebrations of glass art – with events appealing to curious newcomers to long-time collectors and anyone in between,” said Visit Seattle Senior Director of Cultural Tourism Tracey Wickersham. “That accessibility for glass art education is part of the magic of this festival. As a festival with primarily-free programming, Refract has opened opportunities for more people to experience the beauty and depths of this craft.”
The 2022 program is shaping up to be the largest to date, with nearly 70 artists represented at more than 50 events throughout Seattle and neighbouring cities including Everett, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah and Tacoma.
Program highlights include:
New exhibitions, including Chihuly by Dale Chihuly (Traver Gallery), Perspective by John Kiley (Traver Gallery), What If? by Ginny Ruffner (Bainbridge Island Museum of Art), the Edges and Facets by Anna Skibska (Schack Art Center) and #NaughtybyNature by Benjamin Wright (Method Gallery)
Events and parties, including Gather: The Official Opening Party and Exhibition* (Oct. 13 at Chihuly Garden and Glass), Pilchuck Glass School’s 44th Annual Auction & Gala (Oct. 15 at Fremont Studios), Glass Eye Studio open house (Oct. 14 at Glass Eye Studio), Celebration of Native Art Exhibition Opening Party (Oct. 14 at Seattle Glassblowing Studio), Aperitivo at the Maestro’s Seattle Showroom* (Oct. 14 at Lino Tagliapietra Studio), an Artist’s Reception for Paul Cunningham (Oct. 16 at Gallery Mack) and a rare Guided Tour of Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse* (Oct. 13, location will be shared with registrants prior to event)
Exclusive tours and access to artist studios, including the Refract Artist Open Studio Tours (Oct. 15-16 at 10 usually private locations across Seattle), Glass and Décor Tour (Oct. 15-16, various locations across North Seattle), Glass Art Society (GAS) Refract Experience (Oct. 13-16 at Glass Art Society), a Special Behind the Scenes Tours of the Glass Art Collection at SEA Airport (Oct. 14 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) and a Special Tour of Port of Seattle’s Glass Collection* (Oct. 15 at Pier 69)
Artist demonstrations, including Connecting Creatives with Dan Friday and Team (Oct. 15 at Café Aroma), daily demonstrations at Seattle Glassblowing Studios featuring the region’s top talent, and the Pike Place Market Glass Artist Showcase (Oct. 16 at Pike Place Market)
