MICHAEL GERARD WALZER
Michael Gerard Walzer was born in In Philadelphia in 1959. In 1964, at the age of five, he wanted to be an artist. In 1971, at the tender age of twelve, he knew he had arrived. No one needed to tell him, he already knew, without any questions or doubts, he was as artist. In 1977, at the age of 18, he went to the Hussian School of Art, a four year art course and majored as an illustrator. He has been a professional artist since 1981. At age 16, he taught himself how to play the guitar. To him, music and art were like brother and sister. They went hand and hand and were inseparable. Later in life, he taught himself piano. Guitar and piano were instrumental for Michael in expressing himself as an artist. During his art career, he worked in many of the theaters, such as the Academy of Music, the Forrest Theater, the Schubert and Miriam Theaters and historic buildings like, The Grand Masonic Lodge of Philadelphia, The Academy of Fine Arts and several historical churches in Philadelphia, as well as, high-end businesses and private homes, throughout the Delaware Valley.

In 1995, at the age of 36, Michael married his wife, Tracia. They had two sons, Dane (1999), and Raun (2000), who at an early age, were both diagnosed with autism. In 2011, at age 52, he was diagnosed with autism and his life came full circle with a new set of goals. He decided to write a book using music and lyrics to illustrate his life’s story. Michael began writing and recording in 2012 and created “The Hidden Gifts Project”. He continues to work as an artist, raising his two sons with his wife, Tracia. As an autistic father, Michael is teaching his autistic sons, Dane and Raun, how to deal with their disabilities by developing their strengths, weaknesses and teaching them to have patience and flexibility in their life. Although their disabilities have often handcuffed them at an early age, Michael believe these same disabilities are hidden gifts that will blossom, as the boys mature and grow into adults. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF AUTISM.