Bid on Bob Ross Masterpieces: Support Public TV Stations Following Federal Funding Cuts!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Get ready for a unique auction: thirty paintings by the beloved Bob Ross. These artworks will be sold to help public television stations facing budget cuts.

Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., highlighted Ross’s mission. He aimed to make art accessible for all. “This auction helps keep his spirit alive while supporting public broadcasting,” she said.

On November 11, Bonhams in Los Angeles will showcase three of Ross’s paintings. Following this, more auctions will take place in London, New York, Boston, and online. The proceeds will aid stations that rely on content from American Public Television, helping cover licensing fees for popular shows like “The Best of Joy of Painting,” “America’s Test Kitchen,” and more. This support is vital, especially for small and rural stations struggling after funding cuts.

In recent years, public broadcasting faced significant challenges. Under President Trump, Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in funding, leaving around 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to seek alternative revenue. Many have launched emergency fundraising campaigns and even had to make difficult layoffs and programming cuts.

Bob Ross, who passed away in 1995, was a comforting presence on screens. His show, “The Joy of Painting,” aired for over a decade, captivating audiences with his soothing voice and gentle approach. Interestingly, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Ross saw a revival in popularity, as many turned to his calming tutorials for stress relief.

His works for the auction feature stunning natural landscapes. Most were painted live on air, each completed in under 30 minutes—just the length of an episode. Previous auctions have set high values for his paintings; two mountain-lake scenes sold for a combined total of over $200,000 in August. The latest auction is projected to bring in between $850,000 and $1.4 million.

The impact of Bob Ross goes beyond art. His philosophy of embracing “happy accidents” resonates with many today, offering a positive perspective in challenging times. Through this auction, his legacy will continue to support public television for future generations.

For those interested in TV and art, this is a moment to celebrate the intersection of creativity and community support.

For more insights on public broadcasting challenges, check out this report.

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