David Vertacnik received his M.F.A. from the New York State College of Ceramics At Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., in 1975 and his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University in 1972.  David taught at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas from 1979-2015. In 2015 He retired as Associate professor emeritus.

His art has been viewed in numerous solo, two-person, and group exhibitions in the United States and Slovenia.  His work is held in public and private collections, including those belonging to Bethel College (Newton, Kansas), the Overland Park Convention Center (Overland Park, Kansas), Emprise Bank (Wichita, Kansas), the former President of Slovenia, Milan Kucan and the city of Most na Soci, Slovenia where three sculptures grace its picturesque river walk. 

David employs a wide range of materials in his pieces, including ceramics, cast bronze, industrial and agricultural objects.  Many of his sculptures are designed for outdoor sites, created with elements that move freely in space.