Full transparency for local art lovers — the fourth annual edition of Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience is about to blow into town.
From Thurs., Oct.13-Sun., Oct. 16, there will be exhibitions, hands-on experiences, demos, studio tours + par-tays galore — all based around glass art, which has been huge in the city for decades . Just watch out where you dip your chips... that bowl could be priceless.
Refract will feature 50 organizations + 70 artists across the four days, but we’ve got a few precious highlights that you’ll want to circle as you venture through the looking glass.
Learn something new 💡
Pacific Northwest: Glass Mecca | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 10-11 a.m. | Virtual | $20 | If you want to know how Seattle developed its reputation as “the American Venice” with hundreds of glass studios + creative visionaries, curator Jodie Nelson will give a comprehensive history lesson.
Native Voices | Fri., Oct. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Seattle Glass Blowing Studio, 2227 Fifth Ave. | Free | The opening reception for this exhibit featuring Native and Indigenous glass artists features a live demo from Dan Friday — a contestant on Netflix’s “Blown Away.”
Sip + mingle 🍸
Gather: Opening Night Party | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Chihuly Garden and Glass | $45 | Gawk at all the cool, tentacled sculptures from famed artist Dale Chihuly as you chat with fellow enthusiasts, nibble on some bites + enjoy cocktails.
Refract Passports | Sat., Oct. 15-Sun., Oct. 16 | All participating open studios | Various times | Free | Visit at least four smaller art studios across the festival and get a passport stamped to win prizes like a glass vase, jewel-toned floats, or a votive.
Get immersed 🥽
#NaughtyByNature | Fri., Oct. 14-Sat., Oct. 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Method Gallery, 106 Third Ave. S. | Free | Cartoon bird mating calls + strange artifacts from the lair of an amateur inventor named Dr. Snuffy? Yeah, this interactive exhibit is extra.
Glassblowing Lessons
| Thurs., Oct. 13 + Sat., Oct. 15-Sun., Oct. 16 | Various times | Seattle Glassblowing Studio, 2227 Fifth Ave. |$70+ | Getting glassy-eyed inspo? Learn how to make a fancy pumpkin, sea float, or bubble bowl by appointment: 206-448-2181.