Washington State is known for its thriving community of glass artists. Hundreds of artists use techniques from glassblowing to flameworking and fusing to create pieces as unique as the artists who craft them. Explore the state’s glass art scene with visits to museums, galleries, and studios, some of which offer live glassblowing demonstrations where you can see pieces take shape before your eyes.
Whether you’re visiting a local gallery or making glass art yourself, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in Washington’s glass art community.
Glass Art in Washington
Washington State, especially the Puget Sound region around Seattle, rose to prominence in the glass art world following the founding of Pilchuck Glass School and the Pratt Fine Arts Center in the 1970s. World-renowned glass artist and Tacoma local Dale Chihuly co-founded Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood as a way to bring artists together. Since then, the campus has grown into an international glass center with 60 buildings and over a dozen art studios.
Washington has helped shape some of the country’s most well-known glass artists, from Joey Kirkpatrick and Flora Mace to Preston Singletary (Tlingit). Singletary, who grew up in Seattle, draws inspiration from his Tlingit heritage and European glass-blowing techniques to create glass art pieces with traditional designs and modern materials.
Other Indigenous artists are leaving their mark on the glass art community as well. Dan Friday (Lummi Nation) creates contemporary glass art with Indigenous themes, while Raven Skyriver (Tlingit) is known for his glass creations inspired by marine life.
Today, Washington is home to more than 700 glass artists and 100-plus glass art studios.
Where to see Glass Art in Washington
Museum of Glass, Tacoma
The Museum of Glass is a great place to see artwork from local and traveling artists or learn more about the history of glass art in Washington. On the way into the museum, you’ll be welcomed by Gathering the Light by Cappy Thompson, which depicts an elaborate landscape from a mythical world of glassmakers. Explore the museum’s permanent exhibits on 20th and 21st century glass before venturing into the hot shop for a live glassblowing demonstration.
Those interested in a hands-on experience can book a session on the hot shop floor and learn the art of fusing, slumping, and mosaic making in one of the group workshops. Outside the museum, you’ll find Fluent Steps, three islands of glass spanning the length of a 210-foot reflecting pool. There’s also the 500-foot Bridge of Glass created by Dale Chihuly, which is open to pedestrian traffic 24/7. Walk across the bridge and marvel at the glass displays, including the ceiling of the Seaform Pavilion, which includes 2,000 glass shapes arranged like a vivid coral reef.
Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle
Sitting in the shadow of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a colorful wonderland. The eight interior galleries showcase Chihuly’s signature works, which draw inspiration from everything from his mom’s gardens to bodies of water. In the outdoor garden and glasshouse, you’ll get to see how light and glass interact. Wander through the garden, which incorporates glass pieces of various sizes and colors surrounded by trees, ferns, and vines that come alive with each season.
Glassblowing Classes and Experiences
If you want to learn how to make glass art yourself, check out some of these hot shops and immerse yourself in Washington’s glass art community.
Refract, Seattle
Held each October, Refract is Washington’s largest glass art festival. Don’t miss the chance to meet local glass artists, see glassblowing demonstrations, and enjoy tours of local glass shops and galleries in Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Tacoma, Issaquah, and more.
Art by Fire, Issaquah
Try your hand at glassblowing or observe artists in action at Art by Fire, a glass school and gallery nestled in charming downtown Issaquah. Classes allow visitors to create their own art under the guidance of a professional glassblower.
Seattle Glassblowing Studio, Seattle
Founded by Cliff Goodman, Seattle Glassblowing Studio is a public-access studio where visitors can stop by the hot shop or browse artwork, jewelry, and home decor from more than 80 Pacific Northwest artists like Nao Yamamoto. For a hands-on experience, make an appointment to join a beginner-friendly glassblowing class.
Schack Art Center, Everett
Whether you’re an artist or art enthusiast, the Schack Art Center in Everett focuses on contemporary art that celebrates diverse voices. You can visit the art shop, hot shop, and store year-round, and the center also offers a variety of classes, from glassblowing to fused glass art. Check out their rotating exhibits too, which feature everything from art by teens to Northwest designers and crafters who work with professionals in mixed media.
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, Tacoma
Located south of Seattle, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is home to a gallery and hot shop. Watch glassblowing, purchase glass art, or participate in one of the studio’s hands-on experiences with skilled glassblowers. An excellent choice for beginners, these one-on-one sessions allow you to do everything from pick and apply colors to blow and shape the glass, creating your own unique piece of art. You can also find seasonal specialty glassblowing experiences on specific days.
Also See: Tacoma Travel Guide
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood
This international center for the glass art community offers public tours in the spring. Learn about the history of glassmaking, and watch artists at work.
Visit Glass Art Galleries
The greater Seattle area is home to dozens of Washington’s glass art galleries. Here are just a few you can visit. Find more locations in this guide from Visit Seattle.
Vetri Gallery, Seattle
Vetri Gallery celebrates the work of studio glass artists in addition to other materials like wood, plaster, and metal. Items available vary in form and function, from decorative nautical pieces from Jennifer Caldwell to glasses by Levi Belber.
Glasshouse Studio, Seattle
Billed as the oldest glassblowing studio in the area, Glasshouse Studio was founded in 1971 and remains a thriving studio and gallery space. Stop by the Pioneer Square location to browse one-of-a-kind hand-blown pieces of glass art.
Traver Gallery, Seattle
For more than 40 years, Traver Gallery has featured contemporary glass art alongside paintings, sculptures, and other installations in downtown Seattle.
Edge of Glass, Seattle
Located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, Edge of Glass features works by local Pacific Northwest artists. Visitors can watch artists in action or browse the many styles of glasswork, including blown glass, slumped glass, sandblasted etched glass, and more
About the Author
Aleenah Ansari is a Seattle-based writer covering travel, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Byrdie, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip to New York. Learn more at aleenahansari.com.