Artist, Author, and Advocate
I understand the emotional and mental toll of living with chronic illness. Having started my health journey at age 10. I’ve experienced hundreds of hospital visits, over twenty surgeries, and countless months in hospital rooms. Through it all, I’ve relied on creativity to support my well-being during treatments, doctor appointments, and healing.
These same creative techniques have not only helped me but have also empowered others to navigate their own challenges.
For over 35 years, I’ve shared art, meditation, and workshops with people who, like me, have faced the challenges of illness. I’ve seen how creativity can bring comfort, spark hope, and even shift the way we see ourselves. In my book, I invite you to explore these tools and insights—gentle ways to nurture resilience and discover your own creative strength.
Explore Your Creative Side with Stacey Ballard
How art and journaling help soothe your symptoms!
The HYVEMIND article
Webinar with Stephanie Anderson
Homecoming Podcast with Sarah Elaine Nelsen
Speaker at Chronicon 2023
Chronicon 2023
Chronicon 2023 NY
Speaker at Chronicon 2023
Chronicon 2023
Advocacy
Stacey Ballard
Artist
Lake Tahoe, CA
Small Business Owner, Artist 1997-Present
End to end business owner – Marketing, customer service, artist, and supply management
Create art pieces in multiple medias for sale at local businesses and private collectors
Provided custom artwork for private and residential sales, gallery shows
Retail Gallery Affiliation(s)
dnj Gallery, Santa Monica, CA 2025
Gaialicious, South Lake Tahoe, CA 2022-Present
Botanical Arts Company, South Lake Tahoe, CA 2022-2025
Mystic Dream, Walnut Creek, CA. 2014-2019
Tahoe Country, Stateline, NV. 2003-2007
Fallen Leaf Lake General Store, Fallen Leaf Lake, CA 2003
Enchanted Florist, SLT 2001
Mountain Spirit SLT 2001
Milfleur 2016-2018
Tahoe Country, Tahoe, CA. 2006-2010
Dunkirk, San Francisco, CA. 2003
Rubicon Collection, Tahoe City, CA. 2002-2005
Transformations, Newark, CA. 1993
Torch Works, Newark, CA. 1993-1995
Mystic Gems, Newark, CA. 1990-1993
Astral Hopechest, Newark, CA 1995
Exhibitions
“Restoring Your Core” dnj Gallery, Santa Monica, CA 2025
“Go Figure” Exhibition, Bankhead Theater, Livermore, CA- 2019
ABWA Conference Bay Area, CA. 2006
Open Studio Exhibit, South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2002
Artist Studio Tour, South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 2001
Valhalla, South Lake Tahoe, CA. 1998
Hemp Town, San Francisco, CA. 1997
UC Davis Whole Earth Expo, Davis CA. 1994/1995
Commissions
Alisal Elementary School, (Mural) Pleasanton, CA 2017
Boys & Girls Club, (Mural) South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2004
The Lake Front Wedding Chapel,(Custom ceramic vases) South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2003
Creegan Custom Kitchens, (Custom ceramic Vases) South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2003
Sealed with a Kiss, (Custom ceramic sculptures) Stateline, NV. 2003
Volunteer Work
ACT Commission (Arts, Culture, and Tourism) City of South Lake Tahoe, CA
Commissioner 2021 - Present
Veterans Hospital, Livermore, CA 2018
Taught adaptive art projects
Hay House Publishing Conventions Bay Area/Los Angeles, CA 2011 - 2016
Boys and Girls Club South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2011-2014
Art Teacher
Developed classes, ordered materials and scheduled sessions
Art class instructor to children ages 12 – 17
Created an "Under the Sea" wall mural for the Boys and Girls Club activities room
Bringing Arts to Schools (BATS) South Lake Tahoe, CA 2011-2014
Art class instructor to children ages 5 – 12
Trained other instructors in BATS Curriculum, involving working closely with staff
Children of Grace School in Uganda, Africa
Designed fabric dolls for fundraising effort
South Lake Tahoe Community Planning Team 2002-2005
Ran for City Council-South Lake Tahoe, CA. 2020
BLM Local group #Irunwithmaude 2020-2022
Podcasts Interviews are available
With (Leslie) Lezlee Petterzell-Bellanich
With Nitika Chopra
Newspaper Articles are available
Art/Business Education
Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe CA. Art and Business Courses 1997-2002
Ohlone College, Fremont CA. Art, Business and Philosophy Courses 1991-1996
UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA. Art Extension Courses 1990-1991
Academy Of Art, San Francisco CA. Art and General Studies Courses 1986, 1988-1990