Studio Tours and Refract
Destination: Inspiration!
We all need a regular dose of inspiration – it’s like a multi-vitamin for creativity! You can get an extra boost of inspiration this fall at three different glass events.
Leading the way is the PNW Glass Guild’s annual Open Studios Tour in the Portland area. This long-running event on September 19-20 features six different studios, with 12 artists demonstrating a variety of glass techniques and styles and selling their work.
There will also be a drawing for $100 worth of glass art from the artist of your choice: see page 2 of the flyer for drawing details.
Suzanne Tyler worked hard to put the tour together this year. Stop by and thank her.
Carlyne Lynch always invites visitors to create something. Make an appointment if you’re interested.
Just a few weeks later, the Guild-sponsored Glass and Decor Studio Tour kicks off in north Seattle. On October 17-18, from 10 am to 5 pm, explore the work of 16 artists in five different studios located just a few miles apart.
There will be a different drawing for art at each studio so be sure to fill out the drawing forms as you look at all the wonderful work for sale. While glass art takes center stage on the tour, you can also find inspiration and information from artists working with wood, ceramics, and natural materials.
Milo Snyder’s studio will be stop # 1 on the GlassAndDecor.com studio tour and sale.
You can combine the Glass and Decor Studio Tour (above) with a variety of events, classes, studio tours, demonstrations, and gatherings that make up Refract 2026, the annual celebration of all things glass, which runs from October 15-18.
Stretching around the Puget Sound region, from Everett to Tacoma and Bainbridge to Issaquah, there’s something for all glass lovers at Refract. Fancy a tour of Dale Chihuly’s famed Boathouse Studio? Want to learn more about the evolution of glass in urban architecture? Curious about the featured film from this year’s Glass Art Society Conference? It’s all part of the Refract experience – and best of all, many of the activities are absolutely free!
Be sure to stop and see member David Smith’s exhibit on Color, Science and Glass as part of Refract. It runs Sept. 16-18 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Blowing Sands Gallery in the Ballard area of Seattle.
Studio Tours are a great opportunity to chat with an artist, learn something new, or purchase a gift for yourself or a loved one. Gas up (or charge up) your car, book a hotel room or call a friend, and make a plan to supercharge your creativity this fall.