Louis Ballard

A candle was lit by Paul Edward & Anastasia Barracks Montador on March 20, 2019 8:01 PM

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Sadly we have only just found out that Louis passed away. We always enjoyed our interactions with him, whether at the Farmers Market or out and about in Champaign or Urbana and once in Mahomet.
I know we will miss Louis, as will all his family and friends and students.
Our thoughts are with you all.
R.I.P Louis

A candle was lit by Paul & Anastasia - The Scotsman's Kitchen & Bakery on March 20, 2019 7:57 PM

A candle was lit by Sarah on August 28, 2017 12:19 PM

Message from Taylor Sullivan

I had the pleasure of taking my ceramics class at DACC with Mr. Ballard. He was a truly amazing teacher and saw potential in every student in the class. I had the idea to make a bird house as my final project in his class, im not talking a little bird house either it makes a nice table center piece due to its size. He was so proud of my work he would refuse to touch it to put in the kiln because he didn't want to ruin it. I even remember him taking multiple photographs of it. When it came time to mold the bird to sit beside the house he made the from added wings and told me to add a face. It is the best thing I have ever made. Being that I am in no way artistic and im a nursing major on top of that. Louie sparked my love for ceramics and im dying to get my hands back on a pile of clay. I have a short vase that was made by him on the wheel that he saw as a waist as it formed a crack in the base but I loved its shape painted it and now have it. I will always cherish my vase and bird house because Louie made me realize it does not have to be perfect to be art, art is something that you love.

A candle was lit by Karen on August 1, 2017 9:12 PM

Message from Karen Smith

Dear family and friends of Louis Ballard,
You all have my deep condolences and warm thoughts at this time. I knew Louis over 20 years ago. I was his student, was his bartender at times, and i hope was counted as one of his friends for a short while. I moved from CU 15 years ago and had actually already lost touch by then, but it was always such a treat to run into him around town. He had a wicked sense of humour combined with a gentle and caring spirit towards others. Every time i spoke with him i always felt in the presence of his warm heart. I will remember him fondly. Blessings to you all and on his spirit.

Message from Ron Kovatch

To the family and friends of Louis Ballard, I would like to offer my sincere condolences. Louis was a graduate student of mine at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Louis was fun to work with, he was as gentle as he was large and he was a skilled artist, whose urgency to create was realized and registered in his work. I am saddened that he left us too soon.

Message from Brian Moore

Louis was a very good man. He was talented, funny, and generous. I very much enjoyed spending time with him. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to Connie and Simone and the rest of his family.