Born and raised in California, Downs graduated from Whittier College in 1967 and enrolled in Claremont Graduate School to study art. In 1969-70 he moved to Tempe where he was a teaching assistant at Arizona State University in the Art Department. In 1970-71, Downs worked as a craftsman at an art bronze foundry. Since 1971, he has been a full-time professional sculptor. He lives with his wife, Anne, on the Monterey Peninsula.


Member, Carmel Art Association since 1981 and served on its Board of Directors.


Downs's sculpture has been presented to King Karl Gustaf XVI and Queen Silvia of Sweden by the Nordic Heritage Museum. Four of his sculptures were presented to King Don Juan Carlos I and Queen Donna Sofia of Spain by the Executive Officer of the Bank of America. In 1991 the Sister City Committee of Los Angeles presented the Mayor of St. Petersburg, Russia with a sculpture by Downs.


Collectors throughout the world include: Former Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Carter; Ann Landers, actress Zoe Caldwell, Charise Daum (the famous French glass-maker) and the Long Island Chess Museum.