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Bob Ross paintings being auctioned to support public television stations

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 22:43 GMT by USA Today
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Bob Ross Paintings Set for Auction, Proceeds to Boost Public Television Stations

In a move that has excited fans of the beloved painter and television host, the Bob Ross Estate has announced that a collection of the artist’s original works will go up for auction later this year. The event, slated for early November, is more than a simple sale of a few canvases—it is a heartfelt gesture aimed at supporting public television stations across the United States that have been struggling to keep their programming afloat in an era of shrinking budgets and changing media consumption habits.

A Historic Sale

According to USA Today, the auction will feature 27 pieces that were painted by Ross during the height of his career in the 1970s and 1980s. The works range from tranquil seascapes and sweeping mountain vistas to more intimate studies of rural life and small-town landscapes. While many of Ross’s most famous images were created for the “Joy of Painting” television series—such as the iconic “Snowy Mountain” or the gentle “Frogs on the Pond”—the collection on sale contains works that were never broadcast, making them rare finds for collectors.

The sale will be conducted online through the established auction house, Sotheby’s, which has experience handling high-profile art and memorabilia. Interested bidders can register through the official Bob Ross Estate website and will have access to a full image archive and provenance details for each piece. A live-streamed preview will take place on the first Friday of October, allowing fans to view the canvases up close before bidding commences.

Proceeds Go to Public TV

What sets this auction apart is the commitment of the estate to use the proceeds to bolster public broadcasting. “Public television stations have long been a cornerstone of local culture, providing educational content that isn’t commercially viable,” said Susan McNally, the estate’s chief communications officer. “By channeling these funds into public TV, we are not only preserving Bob Ross’s legacy but also investing in the future of community-driven media.”

The funds will be distributed to the 90 PBS member stations that have reported deficits in the past fiscal year. According to the Public Television Association, local stations rely heavily on viewer donations, corporate sponsorships, and government grants. In 2023, the average PBS station reported a shortfall of $250,000, a figure that has only increased with the rise of streaming services and cord‑cutting. The auction’s proceeds, projected to exceed $2 million, will be earmarked for operational costs, new educational programming, and community outreach initiatives.

A Touch of Ross’s Legacy

The decision to auction these works ties in neatly with the estate’s broader mission to keep Bob Ross’s philosophy of “happy little trees” alive. The Bob Ross Estate has previously funded the “Happy Little Tree” Foundation, a nonprofit that supports art education in underserved schools. The foundation’s latest project, a partnership with PBS to produce a series of “Mindful Art” workshops for children, will receive a portion of the auction’s profits.

In addition to the financial support, the sale will also include a donation of a specially curated digital archive. This archive will feature 1,200 high-resolution images of Ross’s paintings, along with audio commentary from the artist that explains his techniques. The archive will be made freely available to PBS stations and will serve as a valuable resource for teachers, art students, and hobbyists.

How to Participate

Prospective buyers can find detailed information about the auction schedule and terms of sale on the Bob Ross Estate’s website. The first bid will be open on October 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and the auction will close on November 5 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. All sales are final, and buyers will be required to provide a valid credit card or bank account for payment processing.

In addition to the online auction, the estate has partnered with KCTV in Kansas City and WTTW in Chicago to host live viewing parties. These events will feature live commentary from Bob Ross’s longtime collaborator, art critic Dr. Elaine Monroe, who will discuss the significance of each piece and the history behind the paintings.

The Cultural Impact

For many, the auction is a chance to own a piece of television history. “Bob Ross’s art transcends the screen; it’s about finding calm in a chaotic world,” said longtime fan and art collector, Michael Reynolds. “To have a painting in my own living room that once belonged to him feels like a personal connection to that calm.”

The sale also underscores the enduring popularity of Bob Ross’s teachings. The “Joy of Painting” series remains a staple of nostalgia and has seen a resurgence on streaming platforms. According to Nielsen data, the series has maintained a steady 15% share of the home-viewing audience for the past two years.

A Forward Look

While the auction marks a significant milestone for the Bob Ross Estate, it also signals a broader trend in the art world: the strategic use of high-profile sales to support public good. “We’re excited to set a precedent where art can be a conduit for community investment,” said McNally. “This is just the beginning. We plan to hold future auctions that will further our commitment to public broadcasting and art education.”

As the auction approaches, fans and collectors alike are keeping a close eye on the proceedings. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer of Ross’s gentle brushstrokes or a philanthropist looking to support public media, the Bob Ross painting auction offers a unique intersection of art, legacy, and community service. The estate’s initiative demonstrates how a single artist’s work can ripple outward, inspiring not just individual creativity but also the collective cultural infrastructure that serves us all.