Connie Gates

Having lived in Utah most of my life, I spent my career working in structured business positions while obtaining an education and raising a family.  During the course of my career while searching for a creative outlet, I discovered the art of kiln formed glass, sometimes referred to as “warm glass”. I began my art journey attending a fused glass class taught at the University of Utah.  It was at this point I realized working with vibrant glass colors was not only a great stress reliever, but truly a passion. So I set a goal to pursue my glass passion on a full time basis, after retirement. 

Although I am mostly a self-taught artist, I continue to attend various art classes including watercolor to further elevate my art skills.  I also dabble in metal art, often incorporating glass and metals to form unique jewelry pieces and outdoor art.  I am inspired daily by the beautiful Southern Utah red cliffs, desert colors and flowers and incorporate many of those inspirations into my glass art pieces. Since completing my home studio in Utah, I enjoy teaching kiln formed glass classes. 

My glass art ranges from practical to abstract reflecting on the dynamics of texture, color, and illusion of movement created with glass.   I enjoy watching people look at pieces I have created and ask themselves “how did she do that?”

Art Awards and Exhibits

  • Red Cliff Gallery, St. George Utah 2nd place winner for 2D abstract art August, 2019
  • Red Cliff Gallery, St George Utah Honorable mention for 2D Color Explosion Sept, 2019
  • The Dalles Art Center, The Dalles Oregon 2nd place winner for Art in the Garden Exhibit 2017
  • Arrowhead Gallery, St. George Utah
  • Mesquite Fine Art Gallery, Mesquite Nevada
  • Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River Oregon
  • Big River Art, Goldendale, WA
  • Maryhill Museum, Goldendale, WA
  • Maryhill Winery, Goldendale, WA
  • Happiness Hawaii Spa and Gallery in Hawaii

Memberships/Affiliations

  • Ivins Art Commission
  • Southern Utah Art Guild
  • Utah Glass Art Guild
  • Virgin Valley Art Association
  • Oregon Glass Guild

Websites