Donor Profile: Lani McGregor and Daniel Schwoerer

Lani McGregor and Daniel Schwoerer have long been intensely dedicated to glass. Both were artists in their own studio practices before becoming part of Bullseye Glass Company (Dan was a co-founder; Lani joined later). Bullseye, based in Portland, OR, is a leader in promoting glass art worldwide through the production of colored glass for art and architecture, and through research and education.

In the early 1990s, Bullseye created a Research and Education department, which rapidly became the heart and soul of the company. Artists were formally invited to do projects and test products, and they began to use Bullseye glass in brand new ways. Lani and Dan are excited by the research and education focus, and especially love working with emerging artists and with artists who use other media. For instance, Bullseye also reaches out to painters, photographers, and architects to see what they might do with the material. “They have no preconceptions. Most of us in glass wouldn’t try what they try because we know how the material works,” says Lani.

Both Lani and Dan are wonderfully supportive of the Museum, donating supplies to The Studio since its inception in 1996, as well as objects in the collection.

“The relationship between Bullseye and The Corning Museum of Glass feels like a commonality of values, both with The Studio and the Museum. We treasure our relationship with both. We really love education, and The Studio shares a similar vision to Bullseye. We are happy to donate supplies for artists and students to use.”

In 2008, the couple donated Erbium Chandelier, by Dale Chihuly, to the Museum. “The chandelier is part of our personal history. Anything we own in glass and anything we donate is a little piece of ourselves. These works are part of us and it is gratifying to see them become part of the Museum.”