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Davenport

Davenport glass-making nonprofit completes project for Clinton arboretum

By Gavin Waidelich,

2026-02-19

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0fZVzV_18zOXUhZ00

Construction surrounds the Bickelhaupt Arboretum as Clinton Community College leaders envision a modern look on a timeless home.

The college broke ground on the project last May. Part of that project includes transforming an old pool into a brilliant display of color.

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Glass art display at Bickelhaupt Arboretum (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

“We decided that the best thing to do with this beautiful homestead is to honor the legacy of the Bickelhaupts and their mission of education through nature,” said Ann Eisenman, assistant to the president of Clinton Community College.

Hot Glass in Davenport took on the project.

“There are so many little gems in here, that you’re never going to get tired looking at it, cause you’re always going to see something new,” said Joel Ryser, founder of Hot Glass.

For months, glassblowers with the nonprofit worked diligently to make each piece perfect.

“(It’s) a lot of work,” said Joel Ryser. “A lot of prep work before we put it in the pool. So it’s been a challenge, but you work through stuff as you go.”

Our Quad Cities News met with the nonprofit in late January as they finished up some pieces for the display. Clinton Community College leaders came to check on progress then.

“The colors of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum are incredible,” said Eisenman. “Hot Glass was a wonderful choice to be able to have this color from nature around the arboretum in the building.”

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Flowers blooming at Bickelhaupt Arboretum last spring (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

Behind it all is a father-son duo. Logan Ryser, the son, says this is the biggest project Hot Glass has taken on, and required many of the skills he’s built in the last 15 years.

“It is an endless number of techniques and treatments for how you can work and commune with the glass,” said Logan Ryser.

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Logan Ryser heating glass to shape it (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

Logan Ryser says inspiration for the piece was easy.

“We got inspired by creation, just seeing the different gardens,” said Logan Ryser. “So we’re going to have an abstract journey through what will almost feeling like going through different glass gardens with a path. Almost with destinations.”

Hot Glass is also making a chandelier to hang above the staircase entering the room, as well as a second display in another room. The pool room has open windows to a surrounding deck, giving plenty of chances for the sun to shine on this dedication to nature.

“I have a lot of favorites, but I really like the red platters over there,” said Joel Ryser. “Look at the way the light hits it. I mean, it’s just beautiful.”

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Close up on light reflecting off glass art (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

The final piece of the display, a glass floor for people to walk above the display, is expected to be installed Thursday.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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