[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 49 (Thursday, March 27, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO PETE BALLARD

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish to honor Pete Ballard, a 
dear friend and a truly remarkable West Virginian who is known 
throughout the Mountain State and far past our borders for his many 
talents, especially for his global recognition of his still life 
paintings and historic period doll creations.
  A native of Welch, located in the southern-most part of our State in 
McDowell County, Pete currently resides in Peterstown, an idyllic small 
town in the rolling emerald hills of Monroe County. Although Pete's 
career in the arts has taken him across the country and around the 
world, including Saudi Arabia, China and Vietnam, there has never been 
a doubt that Pete's roots are truly imbedded in West Virginia.
  After receiving a degree in education from Concord University, Pete 
began teaching. However, it wasn't long before Pete's propensities 
steered him far beyond just a career in education, leading him to 
partake in many more professional ventures.
  Today, as an award-winning educator, celebrated artist, renowned 
painter, nationally acclaimed costume designer, curator, historian, and 
famous doll creator, Pete's passion for the arts and creativity know no 
bounds.
  Many of Pete's paintings are now displayed in museums and art 
galleries across the country. Today, three of Pete's exceptional 
paintings are displayed among the most celebrated collection of 
American Still Life paintings at The Butler Institute, which is 
America's first museum to collect American art. His work will forever 
be a part of such an extraordinary collection of America's best 
artwork.
  In addition to his distinguished paintings, Pete has most recently 
been recognized across the country for his unique creation of 19th 
century fashion dolls. Pete creates each doll based on meticulously 
researched and authentic period fashion. Made from head to toe in 
papier-mache, the dolls' figures range from approximately 3 to 5 feet 
tall and wear costumes that are designed in period clothing.
  Due to Pete's painstaking attention to detail along with his fashion 
expertise, hard work and brilliant vision, he is no stranger to 
receiving prestigious awards. As Governor, I was honored to name Pete 
as a Distinguished West Virginian. He has also received the Grand 
Groundhog Watcher Award. Both of these awards were created to honor 
those who have contributed significantly to West Virginia and those who 
have brought positive attention to our great State. He was also named 
Concord University's Golden Alumnus, is among the Outstanding Educators 
in America, and has received the Order of the Arts and Historical 
Letters from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Pete's 
paintings and dolls have also been displayed in galas and exhibitions 
around West Virginia and across the country.
  Despite his astounding success, Pete has never collected a dime for 
his work. After spending 12 hours a day, 7 days a week working on each 
piece of art, he merely donates every painting and every doll he 
doesn't hold for keepsake to charity or to art galleries.
  It has been an honor and privilege to know such a gifted West 
Virginian. Pete Ballard's imprint will always be marked by his 
brilliant creations and his countless contributions to the State of 
West Virginia. I join all West Virginians in celebrating his vast 
achievements, which will live on in our history books, atop the same 
shelves as some of the most distinguished artwork of our time and 
mounted on the walls of esteemed museums.
  After all these years, I continue to look forward to viewing many 
more paintings and doll creations because at the age of 83, Pete 
continues to work on his art every day.

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