Vitauts born August 8, 1965 in Riga, Latvia.

Higher education completed at the University of Latvia in 1990 in Education Department, specializing in Fine Arts, Vocational Training and Drafting.

At the helm of private company "V.I. Straupe Ltd." since 1994. Heads apprentice group Establishes "Tornis" (Tower).
Turaida Art Gallery.
1989-1992 head of Riga Arts and Crafts High School Metal-working Department.

From 1988-1989 employed at the workshop "Maksla".
From 1979, a member of Janis Mikans' studio "Kalvis".
Active participant in exhibitions since 1981.
Earned the title of Applied Arts Master and the Latvian Craftsmen Association Chamber's Jewelry Master.
Jewelry displayed as part of permanent collections at the Latvian Museum of History, the Latvian War Museum and the Turaida Museum. Special gifts prepared for Hillary Clinton, Aina Ulmane, Queen Margrethe II

Higher education completed in 1990 at the University of Latvia Education Department specializing in Fine Arts, Applied Design, Vocational Training and Drafting.

At the helm of private company "V.I. Straupe Ltd." since 1990. Employed 1994 - 1996 at the Latvian Museum of History. From 1993-1994: at the "Dailrade" jewelry workshop 1990-1993: Instructor at the Riga Arts and Crafts School.

Since 1997, a member of Janis Mikans' studio "Kalvis". The art of jewelry-making mastered with teacher Vitauts Straupe. Weaving mastered at Latvian Applied Arts School "Saiva" with E. Kazakevicuite. From 1994, heads Art Gallery "Tornis" (Tower) at the Turaida Castle Watch Tower.

Has made a wide variety of ceremonial dress for the permanent collection at the Latvian Museum of History and Turaida Museum. Straupe's unique cape (with 5,000 bronze ringlets) adorns the U.N. Latvian Mission in New York.

President of Latvia Guntis Ulmanis with Aina Ulmane in Arts Gallery "Tornis"

Artists was a Leaders of jewelry-making group at 3 X 3 Family Summer Camp at Vaidava (1994),
Gaujiena and Stikli (1997)
and the children's camp "Piparini".
Participants in exhibitions "Sarms & Rotas "97", "Baltars", "Stils un Mode",
in Renne, France (1996 and 1997)

Address:

Berzu iela 8
Sigulda, LV 2150, LATVIJA