HOME - ALL ABOUT MARK - A PERSONAL STORY

All About Mark

Mark combines his artistic talent, wonderful sense of humor and story-telling ability to entertain standing-room only crowds at frequent seminars and speaking engagements, at public appearances and on regional television. Mark made his national television debut in 2004, hosting the pilot of ModernStyle. He has also been featured on the Do-It-Yourself Network. His 2008 holiday special will be aired on Georgia Public Television starting in mid-November. Annual one-man comedy shows are standing room only affairs that benefit non-profit organizations in his hometown. He speaks at an average of 125 various conferences, conventions and events throughout the United States annually.

Mark’s first book, a cookbook, Blossoms & Bees, Peaches & Poundcakes, was published in the fall of 1999 and is now in its eighth printing. His second book featuring stories of growing up and living in the South, Colorful Comedies and Creative Celebrations, A Lighter Look at Life as Told by a Raised Right Southern Gentleman, was published in 2000. A second cookbook - The Four Seasons with Mark Ballard - was released in 2003. Delightful and Sinsational, featuring stories of Mark’s battle with weight over the years and includes light and “sinful” recipes, was released in October, 2004. His fourth cookbook, In the Kitchen with Mark, containing more of Mark’s family’s down-home cooking was published in 2005. An audio book, Colorful Comedies, featuring favorite short stories was released in 2007. Mark’s advice columns on decorating, entertaining and crafts are featured weekly in The Macon Telegraph and in each issue of Macon Magazine, Belle Magazine and Southern Style Magazine.

At an early age, Mark focused his talent on the visual arts, graduating with honors from the Atlanta College of Art at the High Museum in Atlanta. Mark’s paintings have found their way into private, corporate and public collections all over the United States and in several foreign countries. In addition to one-dimensional paintings and murals, Mark is also known for his exquisite painted furniture, lamps, porcelains and fabrics. In recent years, he has also been in demand in the areas of floral and interior design. His line of note-cards, limited edition prints and porcelain plates are carried in finer frame, gift and stationary shops nationwide.

Mark was “raised right” in Macon, Georgia. He and wife Debra celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary earlier this year. They have two adult children, Courtney and Blake, who live in Atlanta. Mark and Debra share their home with Georgie, their Chihuahua who thinks he’s a Rottweiller.