Douglas Frates spent his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri.  After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his country in Iraq in 2003.  Upon returning, he settled in Tucson, Arizona and       attended college.  After taking a course in glass blowing, he became enamored with the artistry and creativity of working with glass.  He has since become dedicated to make it a centerpiece of his career.  He has been blowing glass since 2004 and worked professionally from 2006 to 2008.  Doug has worked for Tom Philabaum and with Fritz Driesbach in the past.    He worked on Tom Philabaums prodution team.  He moved to Columbus, O.H., to continue with his thriving glass career.  Doug has shown at a national level and is a recognized glass artist. 

 -Artist Statement- 

         I get my ideas from life, things I see, things I imagine, and things I feel.  I like to be open to new ideas and am challenged by creativity.  I want my audience and customers to feel the creativity I put into my work.  It is also important to me to be able to create what others want in a piece of glass.  It is a privilage to create a piece of glass for that special location in their home and in their life.

With my glass I am always striving to innovate.   I believe that through this innovation I reach a certain level of creativity and skill that is unstoppable.  Being able to express myself through a beautiful unique one of a kind piece or pieces of art is what I have always strived for.  Being able to work with my passion is what keeps me happy.  I think my passion and experience shows through my work.  I love what I do and am happy to be able to share it with others that are just as appreciative.