Seattle: On Fire

Gleaming glass - Seattle is known world-wide as a center for glass art, and our legendary natural beauty is enhanced by spectacular public displays. From the stunning chandeliers at Benaroya Hall to the Seaforms at the Seattle Aquarium, world-famous artist Dale Chihuly's work graces public spaces. The Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also feature glass installations by some of our region's talented artists, who set new standards in this historic and popular art form.

Galleries for glass - Writing in American Style magazine (Spring 2003), art journalist Robin Updike states that most curators call Seattle the nation's glass art capital and one of the world's most important glass centers. Whether you want to purchase or just admire, the list of galleries where you can see great contemporary glass is extensive: Art by Fire, Canlis Glass, Foster/White, Friesen, Glasshouse Studio, Seattle Glassblowing Studio, William Traver, Vetri, and others showcase Northwest and international artists.

Glassblowing studios - See the artistry in action at one of several studios that are open to the public, including Glasshouse Studio in historic Pioneer Square, Seattle Glassblowing Studio in the heart of downtown, Art by Fire in the charming Ballard neighborhood or Edge of Glass Gallery in artsy Fremont. Want the whole experience? Take a hands-on approach and choose from more than 100 glass classes and workshops offered annually at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

Ceramics - Pottery studios dot Seattle's landscape. Legendary artists like Robert Sperry influenced a new generation of ceramic artists here. Pottery Northwest at Seattle Center and Seward Park Art Studio in South Seattle house artist studios, and also operate nearby galleries that showcase professional and student work.

Handcrafted jewelry - Local, national and international jewelry artists' creations of metal, glass, stone, ceramics and more can be found at numerous Seattle shops and galleries, including Facere Jewelry Art, which offers work by some of the Northwest's best-known jewelry artists. Ragazzi's Flying Shuttle, established in 1982 in the historic Pioneer Square gallery district, offers the work of over 100 artists dedicated to designing jewelry, hand-woven wearables and limited edition apparel. Fireworks Gallery, Pacini Lubel Gallery and Twist are other shops with extensive handcrafted jewelry offerings.