David Rutiezer, the grandchild of Jewish immigrants, was born on May 2, 1968, in Skokie, Illinois, just outside Chicago, and raised in Illinois and Massachusetts. The only child of a teacher mother and a computer programmer father, he spent his childhood writing poetry and puppet shows, singing his own songs, folk dancing, and entertaining the many elders in his family, including his grandparents, great-grandparents, and great aunt and uncle. David's parents encouraged him from a young age to express his creativity, and to learn about the various ethnic cultures in the Chicago area.

David writes poetry and articles, is a trained actor, sings and plays keyboard, performs a one-man musical variety show, teaches singing and folk dancing, and is available for writing, editing, and educational projects. He holds a BA in Creative Writing and Theater Arts, and has a background in arts education, music therapy, and geriatric wellness. He enjoys working with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. You can read more about David's work by visiting his website: www.creativedavid.com.

David Rutiezer is currently studying in the Rainer Writing Workshop, a low-residency Master of Fine Arts program based at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. He is also a dedicated volunteer for several community organizations, including the Cascade Festival of African Films and the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, and recently joined Portland Community Dialogues, a multicultural, interfaith group that meets monthly to find positive ways to dismantle racial, ethnic, cultural, and other stereotypes and oppressions and build a strong and healthy community. Daivid lives in Portland, Oregon.