Ruth Ballard is known for creating pottery at Pigeon Forge Pottery. Ballard and her husband, Douglas Ferguson, founded Pigeon Forge Pottery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1946. Red clay found near the pottery was used to make thrown or slip cast wares finished with matte glazes and slip decoration.
The production includes animal figurines as well a full line of functional wares. In addition to Ferguson and Ballard, there were a number of studio workers. The pottery closed in 2000.
"Ballard in other collections
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Last updated: April 22, 2026
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