Refract: the Seattle Glass Experience
1st October 2020
See a special virtual Artist Talk with Preston Singletary as part of “Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience” and get an inside look at his blown glass art, inspirations and upcoming projects.
Refract runs from October 15th - 18th, 2020 and brings together a variety of art organizations and artists to host events throughout the Seattle region. Check out additional Artist Talks that Preston Singletary has done recently at the Preston Singletary Studio YouTube channel.
The Seattle Glass Story & Refract
Though glass has ancient traditions in Europe, it’s a relatively young art form in the United States. Just over 50 years ago, factory facilities were producing glass works, but the idea of “glass art” didn’t exist. In 1962, the first glass program in America brought the idea of studio glass to fruition, marking a fundamental shift in glassblowing in America. The Studio Glass movement put greater emphasis on the artist as designer and maker and encouraged the creation of one-of-a-kind objects.
Since those beginnings, interest and experimentation with glass art has flourished, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, a recent study led by the Glass Art Society found the Pacific Northwest is the leading regional hub for glass art in the United States. More than 700 glass artists, from emerging artists to master glassmakers, live in Washington. Pilchuck Glass School, an internationally renowned center for glass art education, is thriving here. More than 100 glass art studios made their home in our region.
Refract: Artist Talk with Preston Singletary