Gaffer’s Guild
When you walk through the Student Innovation Center’s entry-level, you might get a glimpse of the Gaffer’s Guild hard at work rolling molten glass and turning it into beautiful works of art. It’s a sight to behold, as the Gaffer’s Guild brings imagination and innovation to life.
The Gaffer’s Guild club is dedicated to the education and training in the art and science of glassblowing. The club offers semester-long classes to students and community members; there are also open studio hours for members.
From glass vases to necklaces, members use their artistry to create, sculpt and blow astonishing art pieces.
The Gaffer’s Guild opened its first studio in April 2000 in Sweeney Hall, but the studio closed in November 2016 as the club awaited a new studio in the Student Innovation Center. That studio opened in Fall 2020, and views of the club at work have been delighting center visitors ever since.
The club shows off its extraordinary skills by performing demonstrations for the community and K-12 school groups. With their new faculty, they can’t wait to open the workshop for students and community members to observe.
Love the glass products the club makes? Stop by Innovate 1858 to buy your own Gaffer’s Guild product to decorate your dorm, apartment, or home with. The club also sells its products at the bi-annual Art Mart sale; funds go towards helping the club with equipment expenses.
Want to try out your creativity and skills in glassblowing? To get involved, fill out their prospective member survey. Members can also email gafferexec@iastate.edu with any further questions.
Beginners must complete one semester of instruction.
For an inside look at what members create, check out the club’s Facebook and website.
By Mallory Tope, Communications Assistant | Published April 7, 2021
