In 2015, a study was conducted by the Glass Art Society (GAS) and Chihuly Garden and Glass that found the Pacific Northwest to be the leading regional hub for glass art in the United States. This prompted Visit Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass to develop Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience, as a way to showcase the incredible artistry across the destination and invite newcomers to the world of glass. Ten years since that inception, with a brief pause during the pandemic, the festival returns for its seventh year, October 16-19, 202,5 to offer exclusive studio tours, new exhibitions, parties, film festivals, and live demonstrations featuring fire-infused artistry.
Just in time for the launch of the festival’s 2025 event programming, GAS and Chihuly Garden and Glass, in collaboration with GMA Research, have partnered to conduct an update to that original study, demonstrating that the public’s enthusiasm for glass art is strong and growing stronger. The full results of the study are soon to be released, with even more encouraging news to come for the Pacific Northwest’s glass art community, reconfirmed as the epicenter of glass art in America a decade later.
“Seattle’s Legacy as a global hub for glass art continues to thrive through Refract. It brings the culturally curious together with the iconic arts community of the Pacific Northwest to engage firsthand with the brilliant medium of glass,” said Michelle Bufano, Director of Chihuly Garden and Glass. “Seattle lives and breathes glass art, fostering a community where innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural expression are ignited and celebrated.”
“A decade ago, Seattle’s glass art scene captured national attention, and we’re proud to see that legacy not only endure but shine brighter than ever,” says Tammy Canavan, President and CEO of Visit Seattle. “This year’s Refract festival celebrates that legacy, along with the incredible talent, innovation, and passion that define our creative community. We’re thrilled to once again invite visitors to experience the magic of molten glass and the vibrant spirit that makes Seattle the heart of American glass art.”
Refract programming this year will feature a wide variety of glass art forms, artists, and locations across Seattle and neighboring cities, including Everett, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah, and Tacoma.
More than 60 events will feature the works of 70+ talented artists. As a testament to Visit Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass’ commitment to making the festival accessible to all art enthusiasts, much of the programming continues to be free.
Details of the festival’s exciting lineup can be found on the official website, RefractSeattle.org.
Highlights for this year include:
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Returning for the third year with an additional new route and 11 new stops, 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.*
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Events and parties, including Gather: The Official Opening Party* (Oct. 16 at Chihuly Garden and Glass), Pilchuck Block Party (Oct. 17 in Pilchuck’s Pioneer Square Office Space and street), The Pilchuck Annual Auction and Gala* (Oct. 17 at Fremont Studios), and for the first time ever, a glassblowing film festival* (opening night is Oct. 17 at SIFF Cinema Uptown).
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Exclusive tours, talks, and access to artist studios, including the rare and coveted opportunity to tour The Boathouse, Dale Chihuly’s private studio and hotshop* (Oct. 16); Refract Artist Open Studios featuring 20+ typically private locations across Seattle*(Oct. 18-19); a guided walking tour of Seattle’s unique relationship with glass with the Seattle Architecture Foundation* (Oct. 17); an artist talk with Kait Rhoads at the Seattle Convention Center, which recently acquired her work for display* (Oct. 17 at Seattle Convention Center); and more.
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New exhibitions include “During The Exposure: An Exhibition by Winifred Westergard” that features ambrotypes, a photographic technique from the mid-19th century; “Petrichor in the Land of Falling Water”, a solo exhibition by glass and mixed media artist Crista Van Slyck Matteson; and “Glass in Everett: A Window Exhibition of Glass Art” wherein the Downtown Everett Association (DEA) has transformed over 10 storefront windows into vibrant showcases from renowned glass artists like Nick Clawson, Manolo Aguilera, KCJ Szwedzinski, Colin Satterfield, Julie Conway, and many more.
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Live artist demonstrations, including daily demos at Seattle Glassblowing Studio with artists like Jen Elek, Jeremy Popelka, Dan Alexander, and Richard Royal; Seattle Artists Jason Christian, Dan Friday, and Bri Chesler at Pratt Fine Arts Center; an overview of kiln-formed glass at Pacific Northwest Glass Guild*; and more.
* Denotes ticketed or RSVP-required event. Visit RefractSeattle.org to secure your spot and see the full list of programs and events.
Seattle area hotels offer convenient, central access to all these events and more. For accommodation recommendations, visit RefractSeattle.org.
