Thirty artworks painted by the renowned artist Bob Ross will be auctioned to support small public television stations in the U.S. facing funding cuts. The auction, organized by Bonhams in Los Angeles, will feature three of Ross’s paintings on Nov. 11, with additional auctions scheduled in various locations. The paintings up for sale include Ross’s pieces from 1990 and 1993, such as “Cliffside,” “Winter’s Peace,” and “Home in the Valley.”
Proceeds from the auction will be directed to stations utilizing content from American Public Television, aiding them in acquiring licensing fees for popular programs like “The Best of Joy of Painting,” “America’s Test Kitchen,” and more. The funding shortfall in public broadcasting due to a $1.1 billion cut has led to financial challenges for numerous PBS and NPR stations, prompting emergency fundraising efforts and programming adjustments.
Bob Ross, known for his tranquil demeanor and uplifting art instructions, passed away in 1995, leaving behind a legacy of accessible art education through programs like “The Joy of Painting.” His calming presence and unique painting style gained renewed popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The upcoming auction will showcase a collection of Ross’s serene landscape paintings, reflecting his iconic mountain and lake scenes.
Bonhams previously sold two of Ross’s artworks from the early 1990s for significant amounts, setting a new auction record for his pieces. The 30 paintings set for auction are estimated to be valued between $850,000 and $1.4 million, with the potential to exceed expectations based on the success of previous sales. The initiative aims to honor Bob Ross’s dedication to making art accessible and supporting public television, a cause close to his heart.
