Bob Ross Paintings to Benefit U.S. Public TV Stations
Thirty paintings by the beloved painter Bob Ross are set to hit the auction block, with all profits dedicated to helping smaller, rural, and financially strapped public television stations in the United States. The move aims to cushion stations grappling with funding shortfalls and rising licensing costs that threaten their ability to bring trusted programs to viewers.
An Auction Aligned with Ross’s Legacy
Ross, best known for his calm, encouraging presence on air and the catchphrase about creating “happy little trees,” remains a symbol of accessible art. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., emphasized that the auction carries forward Ross’s mission of making art and education available to everyone. “This auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades,” Kowalski said. The effort highlights public television’s role as an educational and cultural curator at a time when local stations face financial strain.
Bonhams Auction Schedule and Scope
Bonhams, the established auction house, will begin with a sale of three Ross paintings on November 11 as part of its California and Western art sale in Los Angeles. Additional auctions will follow in London, New York, Boston, and online, offering collectors and fans the chance to own a piece of Ross’s iconic landscape style. The three confirmed lots for November 11 are from 1990 and 1993: “Cliffside” (1990), “Winter’s Peace” (1993), and “Home in the Valley” (1993).
What Happens to the Proceeds
All profits from these sales will be pledged to stations that share content through American Public Television (APT), the distributor that supplies programming to many public stations. The overarching aim is to help stations cover licensing fees for popular programs derived from Ross’s own The Joy of Painting and other well-known titles, along with contemporary favorites like America’s Test Kitchen, Julia Child’s French Chef Classics, and This Old House. By easing licensing costs, stations can preserve diverse programming and preserve local broadcasting capabilities that might otherwise be at risk.
The Funding Context for Public Broadcasting
Recent years have seen Congress reduce federal support for public broadcasting, a shift that has placed more financial pressure on PBS and NPR stations. With roughly $1.1 billion cut from public broadcasting funding, many stations have contended with staff reductions and programming reductions as they seek new funding streams. In this challenging climate, charitable auctions like the Bonhams event represent a promising source of revenue that aligns with the public mission of education, culture, and community engagement.
Bob Ross’s Enduring Influence
Ross died in 1995 after a long run with The Joy of Painting, but his calming style and optimistic philosophy continue to resonate. The show, which featured gentle coaching and the memorable line about “happy accidents,” gained renewed popularity during the COVID-19 lockdowns as audiences sought comforting, accessible entertainment and art instruction. The upcoming auction underscores how his work still inspires generosity and public service beyond studio walls.
What Collectors Can Expect
Market activity around Bob Ross paintings has shown robust demand, with past small-group auctions producing strong results. The upcoming Bonhams sale line-up—bolstered by the estimated $850,000 to $1.4 million total value—reflects both the enduring appeal of Ross’s landscapes and the philanthropic purpose that accompanies this particular auction. Early sales have already set records for individual Ross pieces, signaling strong collector interest as the event approaches.
Why This Auction Matters
Beyond the financials, the Bonhams event is a reminder of public television’s mission to educate, inform, and inspire communities, especially where resources are tight. By turning art into a lifeline for local stations, the auction frames a powerful narrative: cultural heritage can fuel public service, ensuring audiences continue to have access to trusted programming that informs, entertains, and connects people across the country.
