Thirty paintings by the iconic artist Bob Ross will be auctioned to support small and rural public television stations in the U.S. facing funding cuts. Bob Ross Inc. President Joan Kowalski highlighted Ross’s commitment to making art accessible to all, stating that the auction will carry on his legacy of supporting the medium that brought creativity into American homes.
The auction, scheduled at Bonhams in Los Angeles on Nov. 11, will feature three of Ross’s paintings: “Winter’s Peace” and “Home in the Valley” from 1993, and “Cliffside” from 1990. Proceeds from the auction will benefit stations utilizing content from American Public Television.
Due to the elimination of $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funds by Congress, many PBS and NPR stations have been left with financial challenges, leading to layoffs and programming cuts. The auction aims to assist these stations with licensing fees to continue airing popular shows like “The Best of Joy of Painting” and “This Old House.”
Bob Ross, known for his tranquil demeanor and popular TV show “The Joy of Painting,” passed away in 1995. His calming presence and positive messages gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The upcoming auction will showcase 30 paintings spanning Ross’s career, featuring his serene landscapes that captivated audiences worldwide.
Previous auctions of Ross’s works have exceeded initial valuations, hinting at the potential to raise substantial funds for public television. Bonhams estimates the 30 upcoming paintings could fetch between $850,000 and $1.4 million, suggesting a significant boost for the struggling stations.
