Thirty original paintings created by beloved artist Bob Ross are being auctioned off to help small and rural public television stations that are reeling from devastating federal funding cuts totaling $1.1 billion. The paintings, which span Ross’ career and include his signature serene mountain vistas and lake scenes, were mostly created on-air in under 30 minutes during single episodes of his iconic show “The Joy of Painting.” Bonhams auction house in Los Angeles will sell three paintings, with additional auctions planned for London, New York, Boston, and online, with all profits going to stations that need help affording licensing fees for popular programs.
The initiative comes as approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations across America scramble to find alternative funding sources after Congress eliminated their federal support, forcing many to launch emergency fund drives, lay off staff, and cut programming. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., said Ross dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone, and this auction ensures his legacy continues supporting the medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades. The paintings have an estimated total value between $850,000 and $1.4 million, with two Ross works recently selling for $114,800 and $95,750. The former Air Force drill sergeant who taught viewers about happy little clouds and happy accidents is now creating one more masterpiece by helping save the very stations that made him a household name.
