The furnaces, originally in the old ERI Building, today reside in 102 Engineering Annex. While the pieces the Gaffers Guild produces are works of art, the glass blowing process serves as a teaching tool for students in ceramic engineering, Steve Martin noted. For example, students learn about the corrosion, insulation and casting of materials. It's been a marvelous training facility. The lab also has been popular with school children and other campus visitors.
Classes frequently make trips to campus to watch glass blowing demonstrations.
Bleachers occupy a permanent section in the room just to handle the crowds. It's also a popular Veishea spot and a source of many demonstration requests. The guild is happy to accommodate nearly any type of group when possible, Martin said. The guild's alumni do their part to keep the practice alive. If successful, an alumnus is ready to donate more to the group.