Chihuly glass creations. Photograph: Fran Miller

Chihuly Backyard and Glass, Go to Seattle, and greater than 25 Pacific Northwest artists and humanities organizations are coming collectively to once more host Refract: The Seattle Glass Expertise, October 15-18, 2020. Following a profitable first yr, Refract continues because the area’s solely glass competition and demonstrates why the Pacific Northwest is called the hub of glass artwork in america. A mixture of digital on-line occasions and safely distanced, in-person demonstrations and exhibitions will highlight the artists who’ve put this area’s glass neighborhood on the map. Programming, which is designed to enchantment to each long-time collectors and people new to the medium, consists of:

* Featured packages – Have a good time with artists and art-lovers alike throughout on-line occasions held by Pilchuck Glass College and Pike Place Market, get pleasure from a safely distanced completely satisfied hour and demonstration at Glass Eye Studio, and discover Chihuly Backyard at Glass at evening with a particular after-hours ticket.

* In-person exhibitions – Tour the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and revel in new exhibits at Stonington Gallery, Gallery Mack, Traver Gallery and Vetri.

* Studio excursions – Go to the showroom of Lino Tagliapietra, who has labored with glass for greater than 70 years and earned the esteemed title of ‘Maestro’ at age 21. On-line and restricted in-person studio visits are additionally provided by artists working in blown glass, stained glass, fused glass, and extra.

Lino Tagliapietra gallery. Photograph: Fran Miller

* Demonstrations – Go behind-the-scenes and ask questions as artists present find out how to work with molten glass and neon. Greater than a dozen organizations and artists will host in-person and livestream demonstrations, together with Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Glasshouse-Studio, Pratt Advantageous Arts Middle, Radiant Neon and extra. 

Glass blowing demonstration. Photograph: Fran Miller

A current examine on the state of glass artwork in america discovered artists imagine the rise of sharing content material on-line has been a major consider driving change and creating extra curiosity and involvement within the glass world. 

“The glass neighborhood’s creativity has expanded exponentially over the previous six months, and whereas the COVID pandemic has been devastating in so some ways, it has additionally offered many thrilling alternatives,” stated Brandi Clark, Government Director of the Glass Artwork Society. “Artists, galleries, and collectors have developed new methods to attach and share their love of glass. The adjustments are breaking down conventional bodily boundaries, making glass extra accessible and opening up prospects to attach with artists instantly or uncover new expertise.”