Bob Ross Paintings Headed to Auction to Support Public Television
Thirty paintings by the late, beloved painter Bob Ross are set to go under the hammer, with the proceeds earmarked for U.S. public television stations facing funding shortfalls. Bonhams in Los Angeles will kick off the auctions on November 11 as part of its California and Western art sale, with additional auctions planned in London, New York, Boston, and online. The sale represents a rare effort to translate Ross’s enduring appeal into tangible support for the nation’s public broadcasting system.
A Mission-Driven Auction for Public Service Media
Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., described the auction as a meaningful way to extend Ross’s legacy. “This auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to share his works of art than by supporting public television’s mission to educate and inspire.”
All profits from the sale will be pledged to stations that broadcast content supplied by American Public Television, helping alleviate licensing costs that enable popular programs to reach audiences across the country. The initiative aims to stabilize operations for stations that have endured budget cuts and staffing challenges in recent years.
What Will Be Auctioned and Why It Matters
Three Bob Ross paintings—Winter’s Peace (1993), Home in the Valley (1993), and Cliffside (1990)—will be offered on November 11. While Bonhams has yet to disclose the full lineup of the 30 works, the three confirmed pieces span Ross’s career and showcase his tranquil landscapes and signature, soothing mood. The pieces come from the height of his television era, when he could complete most on-air paintings in under 30 minutes, a hallmark of his approachable “happy little accidents” philosophy.
The broader collection being auctioned is expected to fetch between $850,000 and $1.4 million in total, according to Bonhams. Earlier sales of Ross’s works have drawn strong interest; two mountain-and-lake scenes from the early 1990s recently sold for $114,800 and $95,750, with one setting a new global record for the artist at auction. The upcoming sale is positioned as a rare opportunity to acquire Ross’s calming landscapes while supporting a public-service mission.
Context: Public Television’s Funding Landscape
The auction arrives amid a reshaped funding landscape for U.S. public broadcasting. Congress shifted $1.1 billion in funding away from public broadcasting, impacting about 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations. In response, many stations have launched emergency fundraising drives or faced staff reductions and programming cuts. The proceeds from the Ross sale are intended to help these stations cover licensing fees for programs such as The Best of Joy of Painting, America’s Test Kitchen, Julia Child’s French Chef Classics, and This Old House, ensuring viewers continue to have access to high-quality educational content.
The Legacy of Bob Ross
Bob Ross remains a cultural touchstone for many generations. The soft-spoken painter’s accessible approach helped demystify art for millions, turning painting into a relaxing, joyful activity. Ross died in 1995 after a long run on The Joy of Painting, but his influence persists, including a resurgence during COVID-19 lockdowns when new audiences discovered his calming, encouraging style.
What to Expect on Auction Day
Bonhams plans to conduct the November 11 sale in Los Angeles, with additional events in major cities and online bidding available. While details of the remaining 27 works will be announced later, collectors and fans alike will have a chance to bid on a curated selection that captures Ross’s serene landscapes and painterly technique. Proceeds will support public television stations as they navigate funding gaps while continuing to offer educational programming that has informed and inspired viewers for decades.
