Bob Ross Artworks to be Auctioned to Support U.S. Public Television Stations

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October 7, 2025

Bob Ross‘s Paintings to be Auctioned to Bolster Public Broadcasting

Thirty original paintings by beloved artist and television host bob Ross are set to be auctioned, with all proceeds earmarked to support struggling public television stations across the United States. The initiative comes at a critical time, as many stations grapple with important reductions in federal funding.

A Brushstroke of Support for Public TV

bob Ross, a cultural icon throughout the 1980s and 1990s, dedicated his career to making art accessible to all. Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross Inc., emphasized that this auction embodies his enduring commitment, ensuring his legacy continues to bolster the very platforms that brought his creative spirit into American homes for decades.

Auction Details and Key Pieces

Bonhams, a leading auction house, will commence the sales with an event in Los Angeles on November 11th, as part of its California and Western art sale.Subsequent auctions are planned for London,New York,Boston,and online,broadening the reach of this fundraising effort. The initial offerings include Ross’s 1990 work, Cliffside, alongside his 1993 paintings Winter’s Peace and Home in the Valley.

Cliffside, painted by Bob Ross in 1990, is expected to fetch between $25,000 and $45,000 at auction.(Press Bonhams)

Addressing a Funding crisis

The funds generated will directly assist stations in covering licensing fees for vital programming,including favorites like The Best of Joy of Painting,America’s Test Kitchen,Julia Child’s French Chef Classics,and This Old House. This support is particularly crucial following a recent congressional decision to eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting at the behest of the previous administration. The cutback has forced approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to seek alternative revenue streams, leading to staff reductions and programming adjustments.

Ross’s Enduring Legacy

Bob Ross passed away in 1995 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and a devoted following. His instructional program, The Joy of Painting, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. His calm demeanor and encouraging approach to art-making have made him a timeless figure.

Winter’s Peace, created in 1993, is among the paintings set for auction to benefit public television. (Press Bonhams)

Kowalski underscored the deep connection between Ross and public television, stating that the medium provided him with a unique platform for direct engagement with viewers. She noted, “The structure of pubTV meant he coudl talk directly to the viewer,just him and that one other person – much more intimate than other forms of programming.”

Bonhams previously sold two of Ross’s paintings in August for a combined $200,550, setting a new global auction record for the artist. Estimates for the 30 paintings in the upcoming auctions range from $850,000 to $1.4 million, but Kowalski believes those figures could be exceeded, yielding even greater support for public broadcasting.

The Importance of Public Broadcasting

public broadcasting plays a vital role in providing educational and cultural programming, particularly to underserved communities. It offers an alternative to commercial media, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, public media reaches over 99% of Americans each month, impacting lives through diverse content.

Metric	PBS	NPR
Weekly Reach	120 Million	88.6 Million
Stations (US)	330	246
Average Cost Per Listener/Viewer	$4.33	$5.42

Did You Know? Public broadcasting is largely funded by a combination of federal funding, state and local grants, and individual donations.

Pro Tip: Consider donating directly to your local PBS or NPR station to support the content you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bob Ross Auction

• What is the primary goal of the Bob Ross painting auction? The auction aims to raise funds for public television stations facing financial hardship due to funding cuts.
• Where will the Bob Ross paintings be auctioned? Auctions will take place in Los Angeles, London, New York, Boston, and online.
• What is the estimated value of the 30 paintings? The estimated total value of the paintings is between $850,000 and $1.4 million.
• Why is public television facing funding cuts? Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting at the behest of a prior administration.
• How did Bob Ross contribute to public television? Ross dedicated his career to making art accessible, and his show was a staple on public television stations for years.
• What kind of paintings will be auctioned? The paintings consist of landscapes depicting serene vistas and lake scenes – Ross’s signature aesthetic.
• Will this auction really make a difference? Given the high demand for ross’s work and the pressing need for funds, experts beleive this auction could provide substantial support to public broadcasting.

Do you think this auction will successfully address the funding challenges facing public television? How has Bob Ross’s work impacted your life?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!

How does the auction of Bob Ross paintings directly contribute to the continuation of programs like *Sesame Street*?

The Upcoming Auction & Its Significance

A remarkable collection of original Bob Ross paintings is heading to auction, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting public television stations across the united States. This isn’t just a sale of lovely landscape paintings; its a direct investment in the future of educational and cultural programming that millions rely on. The auction, announced in late September 2025, features works from various stages of Ross’s career, including pieces rarely seen by the public. This event is generating meaningful buzz within the art collecting community and among devoted fans of “The Joy of Painting.”

Why Public Television? A Legacy of Support

Bob Ross was a staunch supporter of public television, and his show, “The Joy of Painting,” aired on PBS for over a decade. The decision to donate auction proceeds to these stations is a fitting tribute to his commitment. Public television faces ongoing funding challenges, and this initiative provides a crucial boost.

Here’s how public television benefits from this support:

* Educational Programming: Funding supports children’s shows like Sesame Street and educational documentaries.

* Cultural Arts: Preservation and broadcast of performing arts, music, and independent films.

* Local Content: Support for locally produced news,public affairs programs,and community initiatives.

* accessibility: Public television remains free and accessible to all, regardless of income.

Featured Artwork & Estimated Values

The auction boasts a diverse range of Bob Ross originals, showcasing his signature style of “wet-on-wet” oil painting. Experts anticipate strong bidding on several key pieces. While exact values are subject to market fluctuations, preliminary estimates suggest:

* Large-Scale Landscapes: Paintings exceeding 30×40 inches are expected to fetch between $20,000 – $50,000+.

* Smaller Studio Works: Pieces around 16×20 inches could range from $8,000 – $20,000.

* Early Career Paintings: Works from before his PBS fame may attract collectors interested in his artistic development, possibly reaching $5,000 – $15,000.

* Paintings Featured on “The Joy of Painting”: These are expected to command the highest prices,potentially exceeding $100,000,due to their provenance and connection to the iconic television series.

the auction catalog will include detailed provenance details for each piece,verifying authenticity and tracing its history. Bob Ross paintings for sale are frequently enough subject to forgery, making verified provenance crucial for buyers.

How to Participate in the Auction

The auction will be conducted online by a leading art auction house (details to be announced). Interested bidders can register on the auction house’s website starting October 14th, 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of the participation process:

1. Registration: Create an account and verify your identity.
2. Catalog Review: Browse the online catalog and examine the artwork.
3. Bidding: Place bids online during the designated auction period (October 21st – 28th, 2025).
4. Payment & Shipping: Accomplished bidders will receive instructions for payment and shipping.

Potential bidders should review the auction house’s terms and conditions carefully.Investing in art requires due diligence, and understanding the bidding process is essential.

The Resurgence of Bob Ross’s Popularity

The renewed interest in Bob Ross’s art and legacy is a engaging phenomenon. Beyond the auction, several factors contribute to this resurgence:

* Streaming & Social Media: “The Joy of Painting” has found a new audience on streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

* ASMR Appeal: Ross’s calming voice and methodical painting technique have resonated with the ASMR community.

* Positive Messaging: His emphasis on creativity, self-acceptance, and finding joy in the process is especially appealing in today’s world.

* Bob Ross Inc.: The company continues to promote his work through merchandise, workshops, and digital content.

This increased popularity has driven up the value of Bob Ross artwork, making this auction a significant event for both collectors and fans.

Beyond the Auction: Supporting public Television

Even if you don’t plan to bid on a painting, there are numerous ways to support U.S. public television stations:

* Direct Donations: Make a financial contribution to your local PBS or NPR station.

* Membership: Become a member and receive exclusive benefits.

* Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support station operations.

* Advocacy: Contact your elected officials and advocate for continued funding for public broadcasting.