Christina Butcher is a freelance writer, podcaster and veteran from Chaparral, New Mexico. She has a passion for storytelling and community involvement, and her debut poetry collection, Still Clutching Maps, was published in May 2017. She holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from New Mexico State University and a certificate in storytelling and content strategy from Washington State University. She lives and writes in Tacoma, Washington.

Glenn Buttkus is a lifelong actor and poet who has contibuted to Live at the Auricle at B Sharp Coffeehouse.

Jennifer writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction with work in anthologies, magazines, a letterpress print and in the award-winning pop-up book, SNOWFLAKES. She's honored to be included in this project and hopes to connect with you at www.byJenn.com.

Judith Cullen is a local artist with over 25 years of experience in theater and opera. In 2013 she began writing short fiction, essays and poetry. Visit her at jdcstoryteller.blogspot.com.

Judith Cullen is a local artist with over 25 years of experience in theater and opera. In 2013 she began writing short fiction, essays and poetry - opening whole new horizons for this incurably creative soul. Visit her at jdcstoryteller.blogspot.com.

Brian Desmond has worked as an actor, director, writer, and professor. He was born in Cyprus and has lived in Iran, Ecuador, Madagascar, Okinawa, England, and in numerous cities throughout the United States, including ten years in Tacoma.

Patrick Dixon is a retired teacher and commercial fisherman whose poems and photographs have been published in Oregon Coast, The Journal of Family Life, National Fisherman, Cirque and others. His chapter book, Arc of Visibility, won the 2015 Alabama State Poetry Society's annual Morris Memorial competition.

Bree Dusseault works with Green Dot Public Schools Washington. As a resident of Southeast Seattle and former principal and teacher, Bree believes deeply in working with families and community to create schools that will realize their hopes and dreams for students and is privileged to be working alongside the community to build a school in East Tacoma. Bree's passion growing up was creative writing and journalism, and getting a chance to participate in this project has renewed the creative juices living within.

Together with teachers from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Chris Eide has led a statewide effort to improve the odds that young people from low-income families have access to schools. He is also an author, university lecturer, explorer, and poet.

Josie Emmons Turner was the 2011-13 Poet Laureate for the city of Tacoma and is a high school educator. She published a poetry collection titled "Sarasvati Takes Pegasus As Her Mount".

David Fewster is a poet, musician and vendor of used books. David had been a Tacoma resident since 1996.

Heidi Fosner is a singer/songwriter, educator and urban gardener. Tacoma resident since 1998.

Michael Haeflinger is a poet and artist from the Midwest. He lives in Tacoma.

John Hargis is a Digital Media Specialist at Tacoma Public Library's StoryLab. There he works to inspire young talent to develop, network and release all forms of media including music, video, audio, audition reels, resumes and press kits to prospective agencies. He currently teaches drums and music production in Gig Harbor, WA. John is a hand-drum enthusiast and has performed as a classic rock and blues musician in the Puget Sound area for the past 15 years.

Kristine Harper is a hometown pet sitter, activist, and City of Tacoma employee.

William Hassert has hosted open mics in Tacoma and continues to write poetry about injustice.

Centell T. Jackson is an active poet and songwriter and has works publish in the 2015 Pierce College Slam Magazine, Five Willows online poetry publication, and currently has submissions with the African American Writers Alliance.

Dale King is a lifetime railroader with over forty years' experience in the industry. He is currently the Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of municipally-owned Tacoma Rail. His latest venture is the production of a poetry festival as part of Tacoma Arts Month in October 2015

Sandy was born in central Wisconsin and has resided in Tacoma, WA since 1989. "To my understanding, the heart of art is communication, and the heart of communication is connection; it is my belief that any connection worth troubling oneself to make, in its most valuable manifestation, is born of love."

William Kupinse is Associate Professor of English at the University of Puget Sound and was Tacoma's first Poet Laureate from 2008-2009. Kupinse has recently collaborated with composer Greg Youtz and mezzo-soprano Erin Calata to produce a CD of ten poem-songs titled Poetry Above the Roar.

Dawn was involved in the restoration of the Pantages Theater and efforts to save The Murray Morgan Bridge.

Ann MacKenzie is a teacher in Kent, Washington. She works at a school where over 38 languages are spoken. Some of her poetry focuses on experiences with these students.