Michael is a martial arts instructor and poet. His awards include an honorable mention for the 2012 Eric Hoffer Book Award (for Root of Lightning), the 2013 Turtle Island Poetry Award (for Blue Wolf), and the Robert Graves Award (for a selection from Mudsong). He is also a poetry editor for The Pedestal Magazine.

Deborah Ann Dawson is a Southern Oregon native who grew up in the Rogue Valley and majored in Art at what is now Southern Oregon University. In 1978 she was the first woman to receive the Outstanding Senior of the Art Department Award. Deborah has focused on Drawing and Watercolor for the last 26 years, including teaching drawing and watercolors. Deborah moved to the Illinois Valley in 2001 and opened the Artful Being Studio the next year. She also became an Artist in Residence for the Southern Oregon Arts Council for 3 years, teaching drawing and watercolors to thousands of Southern Oregon's elementary school children. Learn more at deborahanndawson.com.