Dan Edwards

NIU Chemistry Club will hold
glassblowing demonstration, sale

The Chemistry Club will hold its annual glassblowing demonstration and sale at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Faraday Hall 143.

Master glassblower Dan Edwards of the NIU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will lead the demonstration. Edwards designs, manufactures and repairs much of the scientific glassware used by the department for its instructional and research work.

In his spare time, Edwards also creates art pieces (such as Christmas tree ornaments and small sculptures) and the famous “beaker mugs.” The Chemistry Club sells the pieces each fall to raise money for its activities on behalf of chemistry majors and interested chemistry students.

Items created during the demonstration, and others prepared in advance, will be on sale immediately following the demonstration outside the auditorium. Remaining items will be sold Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the main lobby of Faraday Hall West.

“This is an opportunity to see a master of the art at work,” said Michael Spires, coordinator for recruitment and public relations in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“It’s fascinating to watch as Dan turns an ordinary glass rod into a sparkling icicle, or a hummingbird perched on a stylized tree. It’s great fun for the whole family. All the items Dan makes throughout the year will be sold at this event. They make great gifts, the prices are reasonable and all the proceeds go to support our students.”

Parking for the event will be available after 7 p.m. in the NIU Parking Garage on Normal Road; visitors should avoid the reserved spaces on the first level. The parking facility is located across the street from Faraday Hall West.

For more information on the demonstration, contact Spires at 753-1133.

11-10-03