Chemistry Club to sponsor
glassblowing demonstration, sale

The NIU Chemistry Club will sponsor its annual glassblowing demonstration and sale at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, in Faraday Hall 143.

Slated to last an hour, the demonstration will be conducted by master glassblower Dan Edwards of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Edwards designs, manufactures and repairs much of the scientific glassware used by the department for instruction and research.

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

Items created during the demonstration, and others prepared in advance, will be on sale before and after the demonstration outside the auditorium.

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

“It’s fascinating to watch as Dan turns an ordinary glass rod into a sparkling icicle, or a hummingbird perched on a stylized tree,” Spires added. “It’s great fun for the whole family. 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.”

Visitors planning to attend the demonstration can park after 7 p.m. in the campus parking garage on Normal Road but should avoid the first-level reserved spaces.

Remaining items will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, or until all items have been sold, in the main lobby of Faraday Hall West.

11-15-04