Own a Piece of Art History: Bob Ross Paintings Up for Auction to Support Public Broadcasting in the U.S.

Bob Ross’s stunning paintings are hitting the auction block to support public television stations facing funding cuts. About 30 pieces created during his beloved show, The Joy of Painting, will be auctioned by Bonhams starting in November. Bob Ross Inc. shared that the auction is a way to keep Bob’s legacy alive, supporting the medium that brought his gentle creativity into our homes for years.

These funding cuts, requested during the Trump administration, have left around 330 PBS and NPR stations in a tough spot, scrambling for new financial support. As public broadcasting struggles, the money raised from this auction will go directly to local TV stations across the country.

Interestingly, Bob Ross saw a revival during the COVID pandemic. Many people turned to his calming paint-along sessions, where he famously referred to mistakes as “happy accidents.” He passed away at 52 in 1995, but his spirit remains vibrant.

In a recent auction, two of his paintings broke records, selling for far more than anyone expected. Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks sold for $114,800, and Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains fetched $95,750. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., remarked that Bob would have been surprised by these six-figure sales, noting he cared more about the joy of painting than the final product. She recalled how he always encouraged others to create their own art.

This initiative comes at a time of financial loss for public broadcasts, which offer educational and cultural programs like America’s Test Kitchen and Julia Child’s French Chef Classics. A recent survey showed that a majority of Americans believe public broadcasting is an essential service.

By selling these iconic works, the legacy of Bob Ross continues to inspire new generations to pick up a brush and express their creativity. For more information, you can explore the impact of public funding on arts and education through sources like the National Endowment for the Arts.

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