Montclair Historical Society Presents Artist Tour

Lora Eberly Ballou, who lived from 1870-1976, spent much of her 106 years doing the thing she most loved—creating images of her surroundings on canvas.

Ballou’s work focused on a passion for gardening and travel and depicts many of the places she lived, including a winter scene of Tony’s Brook painted in Edgemont Park, and other parts of the country and world. 

"A Persistent Passion: The Art of Lora Eberly Ballou, 1870-1976" will open later this month as part of an exhibit by the Montclair Historical Society.

A free exhibition opening is scheduled for Sunday, April 27. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

The exhibition will be shown at the Charles Shultz House at 30 North Mountain Avenue in Montclair on the first and third Sundays between May 4 through July 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. 

Ballou was active in Montclair alongside a community of artists and collectors, including the son of noted landscape painter, George Inness; and she donated many of her paintings to First Congregational Church Montclair where she was a long standing member over 40 years and Van Dyke Nursing Home where she spent her final years.  

Ballou’s artwork will be on display at the Montclair Historical Society’s Charles Shultz House, an 1896 home that remains virtually untouched. It showcases a time capsule of the Shultz family and lifestyle during the same period when the Ballou family lived in Montclair. This home provides a unique setting for the exhibition, placing Lora Ballou’s artwork against the backdrop of a Montclair family active in the community, unveiling similarities in their lifestyles and interests during this period in history. 

For additional information or to schedule a private tour, contact the Montclair Historical Society at 973.744.1796 or mail@montclairhistorical.org and visit their website at www.montclairhistorial.org. For additional information on Lora Ballou visit www.loraballou.com.