MEDIA ALERT 

Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience Begins October 12

More than 80 events feature the works of nearly 60 talented artists, plus lavish parties, private studio tours and a free shuttle between galleries connect visitors to the art more directly than ever

What:      Created by Visit Seattle, in partnership with Chihuly Garden and Glass, the 5th annual Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience, is the premiere glass festival spanning four days across dozens of locations across the greater Seattle region. Honoring the 5th anniversary of the festival, Refract is bigger than ever, showcasing more than 80 events and nearly 60 participating artists. During Refract, glass art enthusiasts and newcomers will enjoy artist parties, exclusive open studio tours, special gallery exhibitions, hands-on experiences, a free shuttle tour of local galleries and hot shops, as well as intimate glassblowing demonstrations not offered at any other time. 

When:     The festival will be held Thursday, October 12th through Sunday, October 15th Four days of exciting events and programming kicks off with Gather, the official opening night party at Chihuly Garden and Glass, taking place on Thursday, October 12th from 6:30pm-9:00pm. 

Where:     Various museums, galleries, studios, and spaces throughout the greater Seattle region will host events, most of which are free and open to the public. Participating organizations include Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Market Glass Artist Showcase, Glass Art Society, Museum of Glass, Lino Taglipietra Studio, Traver Gallery, Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Radiant Neon, Stonington Gallery, Gallery Mack, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Blowing Sands Glass Studio, Vetri, and many more. 

Who:     Top Seattle glass artists participate in the annual Refract festival and this year’s line-up includes notable artists like Ginny Ruffner, a pioneer in lampwork technique; Jason Christian, a member of Dale Chihuly’s boathouse team with a focus on classical Venetian techniques; plus past contestants from the hit Netflix show, Blown Away: Dan Friday and Minhi England. These artists will be offering live glassblowing demos and/or glass art exhibitions throughout the event weekend. 

Why:     With more than 700 glass artists in the region, Seattle is the epicenter of glass art in North America. Refract is the only region-wide glass festival offering accessible art and exclusive experiences to everyone. 

How:     The most convenient and enjoyable way to experience all that Refract has to offer is with a hotel stay at one of Seattle’s luxurious downtown properties. This year, six downtown Seattle hotels are offering exclusive Refract hotel packages. To plan your Refract weekend, the entire event schedule can be accessed at RefractSeattle.org. 

Visit RefractSeattle.org for the full list of programs and events. 

Tickets to the official opening night party, Gather at Chihuly Garden and Glass, may be purchased here. 

 Media Images available here. 

About Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience
Visit Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and dozens of Pacific Northwest arts organizations are joining together for this annual festival, taking place October 12-15, 2023. This year’s festival offers a unique mix of open studios, demonstrations, parties, exhibitions and tours. Visit RefractSeattle.org for further details.  

About Visit Seattle
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.  

About Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass brings together all the elements of artist Dale Chihuly’s work, including Drawings, signature glass series, large architectural installations and personal collections. The long-term Exhibition features indoor galleries, the centerpiece Glasshouse, and an ever-changing Garden, along with live glass demonstrations, a Theatre, and The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass, featuring creative cocktails alongside delicious bites and plates in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Learn more at chihulygardenandglass.com.