Refract Seattle

Refract 2026 is a year of celebrating milestone anniversaries in our community.

We are excited for Dale and Leslie, together with Team Chihuly, past and present, as they revisit this monumental, career defining moment in Dale's career.

Reposted Last evening we gathered at The Boathouse with our incredible Seattle arts community to celebrate the kick-off of “CHIHULY: Venice 2026.”

It was especially meaningful to have our presenting partners, Pilchuck Glass School and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, there alongside many of our ambassadors, donors and sponsors, including Delta Air Lines, Solea, and Vignalta.

In The Hotshop, Dale and the team brought a “Venetian” to life. Dale has been working on this series since the late 80’s. Maestro Lino Tagliapietra worked with Dale and the team on these works in the early days.

Dale shared a great story about how, as a young artist in the 1960s, he boarded a ship from New York to Italy. His friend Robert Hendrickson traveling with him offered a piece of advice “When you get to Italy, shave off that beard, buy a new sport coat, get yourself some wraparound shades, and don’t look back.”

That was the beginning of a lifelong connection to Venice — one that continues as we mark the 30th anniversary of “Chihuly Over Venice.” 

From April through November, “CHIHULY: Venice 2026” will feature three new monumental works on the Grand Canal, alongside an archival presentation at the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, located in Palazzo Loredan, curated by Suzanne Geiss.

Next stop: Venice!

The Refract 2026 Kick Off Meeting Is Underway!!

We are excited to meet with our participating artists and organizations to plan Year 8.

Mark your calendars- October 15-18.

Thank you to for hosting our meeting.

More to come!!!

Check this out this great opportunity to meet Jen and Jeremy on 1st Thursday.

Reposted Join us on February 5 at our Seattle Office & Studio in for a special presentation from Seattle-based artists, Jen Elek and Jeremy Bert! 👏🔥🎨 
 
📆 Feb 5, 6 pm – 7 pm 
📍240 2nd Ave S, Ste 100, Seattle, WA 
🎟️ Free admission! Please RSVP at pilchuck.org 
 
Jen and Jeremy will discuss their recent projects, including their permanent installation at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as well as their exhibition during Pilchuck’s third annual Light the Forest event. Jen and Jeremy’s work is on display at as part of their current exhibition. This presentation will give you a window into the fascinating world of glass, and the artists that make Pilchuck Glass School the place where the glass world comes together. 
 
Please RSVP for this free event at pilchuck.org! 
 

A lovely conclusion to our Open Artists' Studio Tour with

Thanks to for the warm and glassy welcome to our glass curious guests.

And to for getting us from studio to studio.

1st stop on our Open Artists' Studio Tours
Our guests are being treated to a wonderful tour by Inna in her delightful creative lair.
More to come!!!

Day 4 of Refract 2025.

Today is our last day but we are ending on a high!

Check out the following suggestions to wrap up this wonderful week.

Close out your REFRACT weekend with a Vinyasa Yoga. Connect with the community and ignite your mind, body and spirit with the unique experience of Yoga in Chihuly Garden and Glass’ inspirational Glasshouse. This special 50-minute session is accessible and designed for all skill levels. Admission into the Galleries is included after class for all participants. Ages 12 and older. Each ticket purchased includes general admission and a 50-minute Yoga session in the Glasshouse. 7:30AM check-in | 8AM start time. https://bit.ly/3ZRkDSu

Join us to welcome special guest artist Stephanie Trenchard in the Hot Shop at Seattle Glassblowing Studio, 10am-6pm, FREE

Pop up to Pratt Fine Arts Center and enjoy a glassblowing demo by the lovely Bri Chesler, 2pm-5pm, FREE

Day 3 of Refract Seattle 2025.

Bus 1 safely dispatched to Everett to visit

With special guest guides and

2 more to go today before tomorrow when we head south and west to Tacoma, Georgetown and West Seattle.

There are spots still available! Link in bio.
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/toursnorthwest/items/491043/calendar/2025/10/?full-items=yes

Big thanks to our friends for making this happen.

Day 3 of Refract 2025

Loads more to do today! Here are some suggestions to whet your appetites.

Check out the legend that is Richard Royal doing a glassblowing demo at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, 10am-4pm, FREE

Join the annual Artistry in Glass Showcase in the iconic Pike Place Market on the MarketFront Pavilion — just steps from the new Overlook Walk — as the exceptional Market glass artists showcase a variety of stunning glasswork and demonstrate their techniques. 11am-4pm, FREE

Head to METHOD Gallery in Pioneer Square for a special activation of William Passmore’s exhibition, “Taut.” This event will feature an Indian taco feed and artist reception, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artist and celebrate his work. 1pm-3pm, FREE