Army Vet, Artist and Shorecrest Teacher

ST. PETERSBURG – Mark Runge's gunpowder artwork shows how battlefield experiences influence his creativity and teaching at .

Runge creates images by burning gunpowder on paper. The unconventional technique allows him to create without destroying the paper.

"It [gunpowder] flashes and pits the paper," Runge said.

To shade or darken an image, he will burn another layer of gun powder. He also paints some of the images to finish a piece. It's a technique he's taught some of his art students at the St. Petersburg school.

Gunpowder is an unlikely medium for an artist. Then again, Runge is an unconventional artist. He is not the product of a refined background but of hard experience that informs every aspect of his life.

Runge brings a compelling blend of experiences to his job as an art teacher. He is an Army vet who holds a Masters in Fine Arts, shows his works in galleries and dedicates hundreds of hours to helping war veterans transition back into society.

"For me, it's all intertwined," Runge said.

Runge is at the very beginning stages of implementing a new non-profit  advocacy group for vets.  The idea for "Fall-in Graphics and Productions" started from his V.A. volunteer work and the encouragement of Vetmade Industries, which helps returning vets find jobs.

His peer-based program would help returning vets learn competitive skills for the digital age.

"It doesn't matter if they become an artist, or work with computers, they'll get skills. Everyone needs computer skills," Runge said.

Runge's commitment to "doing more for the community" touches every aspect of his life.

"I always think how can I make my part in the war better my part of the world," Runge explained.

'Fighting the Fight'

From 1988 to 1994, Runge was in the Army, the 5th Combat Engineer Battalion, and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Military service was in his family background. Runge's father fought in Ethiopia in the 1960s. He returned home but suffered from post-tramatic stress disorder.

"He was still 'fighting the fight,' " Runge said.

Runge brought home remnants of war – images and odors that resurface whether he's sipping tea at school lunch or at home with his long-time girlfriend and Shorecrest music teacher, Val Díaz Leroy, and their cats, Andre'-Flyrod and Allowicious.

As the nation honored the tenth anniversary of 9/11 earlier this month, Runge also wanted his students to appreciate the magnitude of military service and the impact of combat on individual lives.

"One in eight returning soldiers suffer from PTSD. Six thousand soldiers last year committed suicide...Approximately, 30 percent of all homeless persons in the U.S. are veterans," Runge said.

Runge is board member of the Vetmade Industries in Tampa. He also volunteers at the Veterans Association, at Bay Pines. As a Peer-to-Peer Counselor, he mentors returning vets.

Runge earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of South Florida. He became an adjunct professor at Eckerd College before arriving at the high school. His artwork has been shown at local galleries, including Morean Art Center, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Tampa Museum of Fine Art.

In February 2011, Runge won first place for pastels and mixed media in the "National Veterans Creative Arts Competition."

Runge himself is learning, even as he is teaching. This former soldier, artist and instructor seems to reinterpet life through art as he tries to to make sense of the world.

In addition to teaching studio art, painting and drawing at Shorecrest, Runge also teaches digital media. His spacious classroom provides ample room for 12 computers, 15 easels, art supplies and displays of various artwork. His art hangs on the wall behind his desk. 

Runge encourages the kids to critique and learn from one another. "While it makes them vulnerable, it also makes them more cohesive. They're loving to each each other," Runge said of the group critique.

When students ask about weekend homework on a recent day, he says, "Be nice." He pauses, then adds, "Or at least, don't be mean."

With the classroom door propped open, a student asked again about the weekend homework. Runge called out, "Draw something you love, or something you hate. You have to have an emotional connection."

He beams at his students and their artwork. "I set my standards up high, and they always meet them," Runge said.

Some of his students may become professional artists, but according to Runge, art is a vital component of life, no matter the path. His own experiences reflect that.

"Everyone needs to be imaginative," he said.

To view Mark Runge's art work, visit his website.