Visit Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Announce Return of Refract: The Nation’s Premier Glass Art Festival (October 13-16, 2022, in Seattle and Surrounding Area)

Programming and events for 2022 festival are now live at refractseattle.org

SEATTLE – Seattle, regarded as the U.S. hub for studio glass art, invites people to experience the colorful magic of Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience. Back for its fourth year, Refract has become a favorite 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 neighboring 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 of 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)

* Denotes ticketed or RSVP-required event. Visit RefractSeattle.org to secure your spot.

Top hotels throughout the region will offer exclusive overnight packages for Refract getaways. Details on Refract hotel packages will be announced soon.

Images for media use can be found at https://visitseattle.canto.com/b/IKR22

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

About Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience
Visit Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and more than 60 Pacific Northwest arts organizations are joining together for this annual festival, taking place October 13-16, 2022. This year’s festival offers a unique mix of in-person open studios, demonstrations, parties, and exhibitions, alongside virtual programming options. 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. This long-term Exhibition features indoor galleries, the centerpiece Glasshouse, and an ever-changing Garden, along with live glass demonstrations, a Theatre, and Collections Café, which features items from Chihuly’s personal collections. Learn more at chihulygardenandglass.com.

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