Join Pilchuck at Fire and Story in Bellingham

Join Pilchuck Glass School on Bellingham's waterfront for Fire and Story: three unforgettable nights immersed in a collection of handcrafted wood-burning fires. Over 100+ unique performers. Presenting a variety of song, storytelling, and multi-sensory experiences.

Fire & Story is a family-friendly winter festival brimming with illuminated art installations, roaring fire pits, and captivating live performances and demonstrations across five stages. Wander at your own pace as you explore a range of world music, storytelling, fire dancing, live metalsmithing, saunas and so much more.

This outdoor gathering in Bellingham, WA invites guests to slow down and drink in the spirit of winter by leaning into it: rain, glow, snow and all. Please dress warmly in layers, rain gear, muck boots, and dust off that umbrella you seldom use. Embracing the elements is part of this memorable, cozy experience.

We are thrilled to bring the magic of glassblowing and our talented local glass artists to Fire and Story. Tickets are going fast. Don't miss out!

Raya Friday, Pilchuck's Outreach and Education Supervisor, is a member of the Lummi nation whose tribal lands are situated on the edge of the Salish Sea near Bellingham, Washington. She was born and raised in Seattle where she was first introduced to glass. She went on to earn a degree in glass sculpture at Alfred University. While still in school Raya started working at the renowned Corning Museum of Glass, first as a technician and later as an instructor in the education department until 2008. After returning to the Pacific Northwest to be close to the land and community she loved, she earned a humanities degree in Indigenous Studies in the Native Pathways Program at Evergreen State College. The intention of Friday’s work is to explore how the unique and haunting vocabulary of glass can amplify and encapsulate both the historical and contemporary issues of her community.

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Artist, author and instructor, Ed Schmid has been blowing and sculpting glass since 1984, and lampworking since 1992. Best known for his books “Beginning Glassblowing”, “Advanced Glassworking Techniques” and “The Glassworker’s Bathroom Reader”, Ed divides his time between writing, traveling & research, studio work and teaching classes worldwide.

Brian has worked with glass since 1977. He has taught workshops in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. He runs Gossamer Glass Studios, a hot glass/ Flame working studio in Bellingham, Washington. Focusing on different aspects of glasswork, with an emphasis on incorporating flame worked components with blown pieces.

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