At its core, Seattle is a glass town. Some of the greatest glass artists to ever do it cut their teeth in the furnaces of this city—Dale Chihuly, Preston Singletary, Dante Marioni, and Ginny Ruffner. In part, we have Seattle's proximity to the internationally-recognized Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA to thank for that. And on the 50th anniversary of the influential school's founding, Refract's four-day festival explores and celebrates Seattle's history at the forefront of the glass movement. Attend an open house with artists like Rob Stern or a hot shop demonstration with John Sharvin; admire the works of Chihuly and John Kiley at the legendary Traver Gallery,  or go on a glass art tour of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The best part? Nearly all events are free! Go get your life! by Jas Keimig