In a remarkable fundraising initiative, John Oliver has put over 30 iconic Bob Ross paintings up for auction to support public media. This auction, featuring the centerpiece painting “Cabin at Sunset,” aims to benefit the Public Media Bridge Fund, which assists local television and radio stations that have experienced significant funding cuts.
John Oliver’s Auction for Public Media
On November 16, during the season finale of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” the auction was announced. By November 18, “Cabin at Sunset” had already attracted an impressive bid of over $1 million. This piece, created in 1986, showcases Bob Ross’s artistic talent well after its completion in the studio of WIPB, a PBS station in Muncie, Indiana.
Background of Bob Ross
Bob Ross, celebrated for his soothing persona and distinctive hairstyle, is best known for the PBS series “The Joy of Painting,” which aired from 1983 to 1994. Sadly, Ross passed away from cancer in 1995 at the age of 52.
Details of the Auction
- Auction Launch Date: November 16, 2023
- Highest Bid for “Cabin at Sunset”: $1,044,000 as of November 18, 2023
- Closing Date of Auction: November 24, 2023
In total, there are more than 60 items for auction, including unique memorabilia from Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight.” Highlights feature a leather jockstrap worn by Russell Crowe and a sculpture referencing President Lyndon B. Johnson, both of which have received considerable bids.
Supporting Public Broadcasting
This auction directly responds to financial challenges faced by local public broadcasting stations. Earlier this year, significant funding cuts were made, resulting in the elimination of over $1 billion for public media. The funds generated from this auction will help offset the programming costs for affected stations, ensuring continued access to quality public broadcasting.
Other Notable Bob Ross Auctions
In addition to the current auction, Bob Ross paintings have been gaining attention at various auction houses. On November 11, three Bob Ross paintings sold for a total of $662,000 at Bonhams auction house. These pieces—including “Winter’s Peace”—significantly exceeded pre-sale estimates.
The remaining 27 Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned again in 2026 across major cities including Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, with specific dates to be announced later. All proceeds from these auctions will benefit public television stations using productions from American Public Television.
Overall, this initiative not only celebrates the artistry of Bob Ross but also emphasizes the importance of public media and the role it plays in communities across the nation.
