Glassblower Dan Edwards will give a demonstration today at 7:30 p.m. in Faraday Hall, Room 143.

The annual event will feature Edwards’ glassblowing, along with an art sale afterward.

“I build up the supply all year long and give the demonstration every November,” Edwards said.

The most beneficial part of the demonstration is that most students can come not only to enjoy the show, but also to find some gifts at inexpensive prices, Edwards said.

“It’s for the students. The best benefit for the students is they not only get to see the demo, but they also get to buy a really nice Christmas gift for someone at a really cheap price,” he said. “All the pieces that I make are inexpensive and are under $10.”

The sale, which will feature holiday ornaments, icicles, small animals and beaker mugs, will take place in the Faraday West lobby and will exhibit items made by Edwards. The sale will start after the demonstration and continue through tomorrow. All money made at the sale will support different activities sponsored by the NIU Chemistry Club, including the awards and banquets it holds each year.

“It’s an opportunity for people to watch a master at work in a reasonably arcane craft,” said Michael Spires, coordinator for recruitment and public relations, department of chemistry and biochemistry. “And the sale of Dan’s wares after the demonstration is the only fund-raiser for the chemistry club every year.”

The event is always popular and is a high-interest presentation to NIU and the rest of the community, Edwards said.

“It’s done basically for the benefit of the university so if they want to come and see it, it’s there for them to enjoy,” he said. “It lasts about an hour, which is nice because it’s quick and painless. Normally we fill the room and don’t usually have to encourage people to come.”

Edwards has been blowing glass for almost 33 years and is in his 15th year giving the annual demonstrations at NIU.

“It’s become a lot better than I thought it would be when I first tried it [in 1971],” Edwards said. “I got a lot further in it than I thought I would and I didn’t think I would be as successful as I am. I’ve gotten a lot of recognition for what I do, plus I’ve been able to make a living off of it.”