“Glass is mesmerizing”, says artist and KUOW project manager Hilary Lee. “It’s just kind of all around us, but then in a contemporary art form, it's really fun, and you can do lots of things with it”. Happily, we live in a world-class region for glass arts from glassblowing to kiln casting to neon. And Hilary knows this better than most Seattleites - she spent 20 years as an arts administrator in the glass arts community, including 8 years working for glassblower Dale Chihuly. And she co-founded the Refract Glass Festival, which happens in Seattle every fall. 

We’ll dig into how and why the Seattle region became such an epicenter for contemporary glass arts and artists. And then Hilary will send us off to some of her favorite places in the city to find fantastic glass works, from huge sculptures to tiny ornaments. 

Some of Hilary’s Favorite Places To Find Glass Arts in Seattle: 

Refract Seattle - Hilary co-founded this annual festival, which is happening October 16-19

Pike Place Market - there are shops and stands run by local glass artists all over the market, and Hilary loves the iconic neon market sign against the backdrop of the mountains and Puget Sound. Also, she loves stopping for snacks while checking out the stalls - particularly Daily Dozen Donut Company. 

Gallery Mack - featuring a collection of work by local glass and mixed-media artists, including artist Paula Stokes’ belly bottles 

Seattle Glassblowing Studio has a collection of work from artists around the world, and you can watch glass blowers at work! 

Chihuly Garden And Glass - Hilary recommends going around sunset, so you can check out the 1000-piece work in the Glass House illuminated by the setting sun. 

Blown Away on Netflix - learn all about glassblowing (and watch Northwest artists dominate) from the comfort of your couch!

Other Iconic Local Neon Signs: 
Dick’s Drive-In

Olympic Athletic Club 

Ivar’s Fish Bar 

Other event recommendations for this week’s episode: 

Win a pair of free tickets to TARBOO! Music Festival July 3-6 in Quilcene!  Email meetmehere@kuow.org with TICKETS in the subject line. The winner will be notified on or before July 1st! 

Northwest African American Museum’s “A Movement For Joy” Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, Seattle 

Capital City Pridefest, June 27-29, Olympia 

Barbie The Movie At Seattle Symphony, June 27 & 28, Seattle 

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