Thirty captivating paintings by the iconic Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support struggling small and rural public television stations in the United States. This initiative comes in response to significant funding cuts at the federal level. Bob Ross, widely recognized for his calming demeanor and artistic talent, dedicated his career to making art accessible.
Upcoming Auction Details
The auction will take place at Bonhams in Los Angeles on November 11, 2023, during the California and Western art sale. Among the paintings featured in this auction are:
- Winter’s Peace> (1993)
- Home in the Valley> (1993)
- Cliffside> (1990)
Bonhams expects Cliffside to sell for between $25,000 and $45,000. Profits from the auction will benefit public television stations that rely on programs like “The Best of The Joy of Painting,” “America’s Test Kitchen,” and “This Old House.”
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts
Due to actions taken by the previous administration, public broadcasting lost $1.1 billion in funding. Approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations now face financial challenges. Many have launched emergency fundraising efforts, while some have been forced to scale back programming and lay off staff.
Aims of the Auction
Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., emphasized the importance of public television to Ross. The auction aims to continue his legacy by supporting the very medium that helped spread his artistic vision. The 30 paintings, created primarily on air in under 30 minutes, span Ross’s remarkable career, depicting serene landscapes and his signature style.
Previous Auction Highlights
In a recent auction by Bonhams, two of Ross’s early 1990s landscapes sold for an impressive $114,800 and $95,750, with one setting a global auction record for the artist. The anticipated total value of the upcoming auction is estimated between $850,000 and $1.4 million.
As the bidding date approaches, there is excitement around how much the auction will raise to support public television. Bob Ross’s lasting legacy continues to inspire many, showcasing the power of art and creativity.
