In the mid-1960s, Bill Boysen, professor emeritus from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, originated one of the first university-based blown glass programs in the United States.
"[5] Boysen started the glassblowing program at SIUC's School of Art and Design in 1966, developing the curriculum and recruiting students and future artists.
[7] For decades, Boysen travelled the United States with students using a mobile studio to demonstrate glass blowing techniques to crowds at art fairs and other venues.
In an interview, Boysen explains the name, "We thought (the vehicle's) character was more like an aunt in the family that might come over on the weekend, bring some exciting stories, teach some new ideas and then in the blink of an eye, she's gone again.
"[7] Boysen designed and constructed the mobile glassblowing studio in 1969, and "Aunt Gladys" made "its first public out-of-state demonstration in 1972 at Spring Arbor College, Michigan.