The sixth annual Refract Glass Art Festival is going to happen from October 17–20 in Seattle, Washington. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with numerous local glass artists, ranging from reality TV stars to emerging talents, solidifying Seattle’s status as the largest hub of glass art in the United States1.

Here are some highlights to consider for your itinerary:

• New Exhibitions: Featuring work by Morgan Peterson, the season four grand prize winner of Netflix’s Blown Away, along with challenge winners Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Gemma Hollister. The Seattle Art Museum will debut Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams, and Kait Rhoads will showcase a large community project called Proto Kelp at METHOD.
• Shuttle Service: Returning for its second year, Tours Northwest will provide shuttle services to various private artist studios across Seattle, allowing attendees to meet the artists directly.
• 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 for Kelsey Fernkopf’s works (October 18 at Pier 69), and an Open House at the Seattle Art Museum (October 18).
• Artist Open Studios: Featuring 16 typically private locations across Seattle (October 19–20).
• Artist Demonstrations: Daily demos at Glassybaby, Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Avalon Glassworks, Blowing Sands Glass Studio, Art by Fire, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and more. The City of Shoreline will also host live demos by Indigenous artist Dan Friday throughout the weekend.

Note: Some events require tickets or an RSVP. To secure your spot and view a full list of programs and events, visit refractseattle.org

Sayart / Sharon Jung guhuijeong784@gmail.com