Artworks by the iconic painter and television figure Bob Ross are set to be auctioned, with proceeds aimed at bolstering U.S. public broadcasting. This auction, organized by Bonhams, will feature approximately 30 of Ross’s paintings, primarily created during his influential television series, “The Joy of Painting,” which aired in the 1980s and 1990s.
Support for Public Broadcasting Funding
The auction’s primary goal is to support public television stations that have experienced significant funding cuts following legislative changes under the previous administration. The move to auction these artworks comes after Congress approved cuts to public broadcasting financing, leaving around 330 PBS and NPR stations seeking alternative funding sources.
Bob Ross’s Legacy
Bob Ross Inc. stated that the auction is a way to continue Ross’s legacy by supporting broadcasting, a medium that introduced his calming presence and artistic instruction to millions of American households. The organization has donated the paintings to American Public Television, ensuring that all net proceeds will benefit local public TV stations nationwide.
- Proceeds will assist programming such as:
- America’s Test Kitchen
- Julia Child’s French Chef Classics
- This Old House
A Stunning Auction Preview
The auction will take place starting in November, following a previous auction in August where two of Ross’s works sold for remarkable sums, exceeding expectations significantly. The painting “Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks” fetched $114,800, while “Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky” sold for $95,750.
Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., expressed that Ross would have likely been surprised by the high prices his artwork commands today. Kowalski shared, “He was never really that interested in his finished works; Bob was more fascinated with the process of painting.”
Throughout his career, Ross emphasized the joy of creativity over commercial success, often stating, “You don’t want my paintings; you want to create your own and hang them proudly on your wall.” This philosophy continues to resonate in his legacy and the support for public broadcasting.
