Fall 2025 Issue

50 Years in the Fire

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Story By: Brittany Carlson Prokupek ’16

November 13, 2025

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When Central College lit its first glass furnace in 1975, few could have predicted the program’s enduring impact. Brought to campus by John Vruwink ’58, professor emeritus of art, glassblowing quickly became more than an art elective — it became a point of pride, a tradition and for many students, a transformative experience.

When asked what this milestone means, Vruwink doesn’t hesitate. “I’m proud that this program I built and learned alongside students with is still going and still necessary,” he says. “I truly believe in exposure to this art form, especially in Iowa and in the Midwest. It’s not as common as it is on the coasts, so it’s special that Central has this.”

Brian Roberts ’92, professor of art, knows that better than most. As a student, he learned directly from Vruwink, mastering a craft that is equal parts art, science and teamwork.

“Glass is a magical material,” Roberts says. “It’s over 2,000 degrees; sometimes it behaves, sometimes it has a mind of its own. That challenge drew me in.”

After graduate school, Roberts returned to Central — this time as a professor — stepping into the role of caretaker for the program his mentor built. Over the years, he’s introduced advanced techniques, incorporated lessons learned from professional workshops and welcomed former students back as guest artists. The collaborative spirit, he says, is just as important as the finished pieces.

“No one works alone in glassblowing,” Roberts notes. “You have to communicate, trust each other and move toward a shared vision. That’s a lesson that carries far beyond the studio.”

Central’s studio has seen countless projects, class demonstrations and community visitors — from middle school field trips to alumni homecomings. Roberts still lights up when a student pulls their first successful piece from the cooling oven, phone in hand to share it with family.

“Those moments stick,” he says. “Sometimes they change the course of a student’s life.”

When you’re working with extreme elements — like a 2,100-degree furnace of molten glass — wear and tear is inevitable. New in 2011, Central’s furnace is still running full steam ahead, but the ceramic basin that holds the molten glass will soon need replacing.

So, if you’re an art lover, a Vruwink or Roberts fan or simply someone who believes in keeping rare opportunities alive for future generations, consider supporting these improvements in honor of this milestone anniversary. Fifty years on, the fire still burns — and with care, Central’s glassblowing legacy will keep glowing bright.