Biography of Potter Mark Bissell

Mark attended the University of Colorado at Boulder receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1973. Before returning to (Air) Academy School District Twenty in 1985 where he taught art at Air Academy High School, he taught for Peyton School District (1974-1977), Centennial High School in San Luis Colorado (1977-1980), and Del Norte High School (1980-1985). Throughout his teaching career, Mark coached basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, and held the position of athletic director. In 1995, his commitment and dedication to coaching young athletes was recognized by the city of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department Youth Sports Programs.

Mark remained a teacher at School District Twenty until 1994 when he was hired for the position of Energy Manager for Academy School District Twenty. The position title was changed to Construction, Energy, and Environmental Supervisor. He soon gained recognition for his accomplishments in the district when, in 1997 he received honors from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Buildings and Green Lights Program. In 1999 School District Twenty was recognized as an Energy Star Buildings partner. Also in 1999, Mark applied for and received a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation for environmental projects, and procured a cooperative grant from Colorado Springs Utilities, Berwick Electric, National Contractors Association, and the Colorado State energy conservation agency, for the installation of photovoltaic panels at Mountain Ridge Middle School. In 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded Energy Star Building status to Challenger Middle School and Frontier Elementary. At that time, only three schools in Colorado had earned this special designation.

In 2002, Mark became the Director for Facilities and Planning and is presently responsible for providing leadership and guidance for the staff at Facilities Management as they provide support to 31 facilities and maintain in excess of 450 acres.

Mark enjoys ceramic sculpture and functional pottery and has received Honorable Mention at the Colorado State Fair Art Show in Pueblo, Colorado. Mark continues to make his own pottery in his studio at his home in Black Forest Colorado. He began selling his pottery by holding pottery sale events at his home with family and friends and is now branching out to making his pottery available online.

He also enjoys skiing, hiking, and surfing with his two sons.

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Figure 1 Mark with one of his signature Critters.
Figure 2 Mark with his Salt Kiln that he is re-constructing. Figure 3 Mark with his kiln after completing a firing. The cattle in the background are members of Mark's ranch family.