Pacific Northwest artists and art organizations are coming together to showcase their work through a four-day glass arts festival. 

More than 25 glass artists, studios and organizations have joined forces to host “Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience,” featuring both in-person and virtual events from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18. “Refract” programming includes online events by Pilchuck Glass School and Pike Place Market, and a socially distanced happy hour and demonstration.

The event will also include in-person tours at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and shows at Stonington Gallery, Gallery Mack, Traver Gallery and Vetri. Lino Tagliapietra, a Seattle-based glass artist with 70 years of experience, has opened his showroom for limited in-person tours. 

Glass blowing demonstrations with more than a dozen artists and organizations will give in-person and online viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how artists create works from molten glass. 

“Artists, galleries, and collectors have developed new ways to connect and share their love of glass,” says Brandi Clark, executive director of Seattle-based Glass Art Society. “The changes are breaking down traditional physical barriers, making glass more accessible and opening up possibilities to connect with artists directly or discover new talent.”