Bob Ross Paintings Auction to Benefit Public TV Stations
Thirty paintings by the iconic painter Bob Ross are heading to auction in a fundraiser aimed at supporting small and rural public television stations across the United States. The initiative comes as public broadcasting stations navigate funding gaps created by federal budget changes, with the proceeds designated to help cover licensing and programming costs that keep popular content on air.
How the Auction Will Work
Bonhams, the renowned auction house based in Los Angeles, will kick off the sale with three Ross works on November 11 as part of its California and Western art sale. Additional auctions are expected to take place in London, New York, Boston, and online, expanding the opportunity for collectors to participate. While specific pieces from the full set of 30 will be announced closer to the dates, the preview signals a spotlight on Ross’s enduring appeal and his ability to draw bids even decades after his passing.
Three Early Highlights
Among the announced works for the November 11 sale are Ross’s 1993 landscapes Winter’s Peace and Home in the Valley, along with Cliffside painted in 1990. These pieces showcase Ross’s signature approach to landscapes, with soft brushwork, tranquil light, and a sense of calm that became a hallmark of his on-air persona.
Why This Auction Matters
All profits from the auction will be pledged to stations that carry content from the distributor American Public Television. The goal is to help financially strapped stations cover licensing fees for popular programs, including The Best of Joy of Painting (inspired by Ross’s show), America’s Test Kitchen, Julia Child’s French Chef Classics, and This Old House. The move aligns with broadcaster needs as Congress has effectively reduced public broadcasting funding, creating a scramble for alternative revenue sources.
Context for Public Broadcasting
Recent policy changes reduced federal support for public broadcasting by about $1.1 billion, affecting roughly 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations. In response, many stations launched emergency drives and, in some cases, faced staff reductions and programming cuts. The auction is framed as a way to preserve access to valued educational and cultural programming that has long been part of the American public television landscape.
About Bob Ross and His Legacy
Bob Ross, a longtime public television staple in the 1980s and ’90s, became an unlikely cultural icon for his tranquil demeanor and famous catchphrase about “happy little trees” and “no mistakes, only happy accidents.” His program, The Joy of Painting, made art accessible to a broad audience and inspired a resurgence of interest during COVID-19 lockdowns. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., emphasized that the auction represents a meaningful way to honor Ross’s legacy by supporting the very medium that brought his art and joy to countless homes.
Market Outlook
Preliminary results from Bonhams show robust demand for Bob Ross works, with a recent sale of two early 1990s mountain-and-lake scenes bringing in $114,800 and $95,750, respectively, and setting a new global record for one piece. The upcoming sale of the 30 paintings is estimated to fetch between $850,000 and $1.4 million, underscoring both Ross’s enduring appeal and public broadcasters’ urgent funding needs.
What’s Next
A detailed catalog of all 30 paintings and their estimated values will be released ahead of the auctions. Collectors and supporters alike can expect a chance to acquire rare Ross works while contributing to a cause that helps keep essential public television programming accessible to communities in need.
