Thirty artworks painted by the iconic Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support small and rural public television stations facing budget cuts. Ross, known for his calming demeanor and popular show in the ’80s and ’90s, aimed to make art accessible to all. The auction, organized by Bonhams in Los Angeles, will feature three of Ross’s paintings on Nov. 11, including “Winter’s Peace,” “Home in the Valley,” and “Cliffside.”
The proceeds from the auction will benefit stations utilizing content from American Public Television, aiding them with licensing fees for programs such as “The Best of Joy of Painting” and “This Old House.” This initiative comes as public broadcasting faces challenges after a $1.1 billion funding cut by Congress, impacting hundreds of PBS and NPR stations.
Bob Ross, who passed away in 1995, left a lasting legacy through his instructional painting series. His popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, resonating with audiences worldwide. The upcoming auction will showcase a range of Ross’s landscapes, capturing his trademark serene mountain and lake scenes. Earlier sales of Ross’s artworks reached record-breaking prices, with the 30 paintings expected to fetch between $850,000 to $1.4 million in total.