Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 13:40 GMT by WMUR

WMUR Leverages Bob Ross’s Brushstrokes to Support Public Television

In an unexpected but profoundly strategic move, WMUR-TV—Worcester’s flagship PBS member station—recently auctioned a set of original Bob Ross paintings to raise much-needed funds for the local public‑TV ecosystem. The event, held at the Worcester Art Museum on March 3rd, drew art aficionados, long‑time Bob Ross fans, and community leaders alike, all eager to support the station’s ongoing mission of delivering high‑quality educational programming to the region.

A Legacy of “Happy Little Trees” Meets a Legacy of Public Broadcasting

Bob Ross, the beloved “happy little tree” host of The Joy of Painting, passed away in 1995 but has continued to inspire millions with his gentle teaching style and the enduring appeal of his landscape paintings. His work—often sold at auction for six‑figure sums—has become a staple of contemporary pop culture. By contrast, WMUR-TV’s funding has become increasingly precarious in the face of a national decline in public television revenue, coupled with cuts to local government support and a shifting media landscape that has made it harder for non‑commercial broadcasters to compete.

The auction’s timing was deliberate. In the months leading up to the event, WMUR had released a press statement outlining its “Public‑Television Funding Plan,” which highlighted a projected shortfall of $120,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. The station’s CEO, Maria Delgado, emphasized that the funds were earmarked for educational programming, digital upgrades, and community outreach initiatives—areas that have historically been the backbone of WMUR’s contribution to the region.

The Auction Itself

The auction featured five Bob Ross pieces, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Bob Ross Foundation. The works varied in size from 18‑by‑24 inches to a striking 30‑by‑40‑inch landscape. They were all painted in the signature Ross style—soft gradients, dramatic skies, and, of course, the occasional “happy little tree.”

The auction was conducted in a hybrid format, with in‑person attendees and a live online streaming option for those who could not make it to the Worcester Art Museum. The online platform, which was managed by the museum’s IT team, allowed remote bidders to place offers in real time, ensuring that every viewer—whether local or nationwide—had a chance to participate.

The highest‑priced piece was a 24‑by‑30‑inch oil on canvas depicting a misty mountain range. The painting fetched $72,000, a record for a Bob Ross work sold at a public‑TV‑funded event. The second‑most valuable piece—a landscape of a sun‑lit meadow—sold for $54,000. The remaining three works brought in $38,000, $27,000, and $12,000 respectively, bringing the total proceeds to $203,000.

Beyond the Numbers

While the financial outcome was undeniably impressive, the event also served as a powerful platform for community engagement. The auction featured a live interview segment with former Joy of Painting host, a local artist who has been influenced by Ross’s work, and WMUR’s programming director, who talked about the importance of local public media.

“Public TV isn’t just about broadcasting,” said Delgado. “It’s about giving back to the community—educating, inspiring, and connecting people. Every dollar we raise helps keep that mission alive.” She also highlighted the role of the PBS “Donate” page, which had seen a 35% uptick in traffic during the auction weekend.

The Bob Ross Foundation, whose representative spoke at the event, noted that the partnership was a “natural fit” given the shared values of education and accessibility. The foundation’s involvement included providing a portion of the sale proceeds directly to WMUR, ensuring that the station could use the funds for immediate needs.

Follow‑On Impact

WMUR has already begun to deploy the funds in a number of key areas. First, the station has upgraded its digital studio infrastructure, enabling higher‑resolution broadcasts and new interactive programming for children’s science shows. Second, a portion of the money will support a new “Community Spotlight” segment, showcasing local artists, educators, and businesses. Finally, the station is launching a “Digital Literacy” initiative aimed at seniors and underserved communities, providing free workshops on how to access and engage with PBS content online.

Local businesses that donated the paintings—an art gallery in Boston and a boutique in Worcester—reported positive media exposure and a boost in community goodwill. “It’s a win‑win,” said the gallery’s owner, who said the event raised her profile among a highly engaged audience.

A Broader Trend in Public‑TV Fundraising

WMUR’s auction is part of a larger trend among PBS member stations. In the past year, several stations—including WGBH in Boston and KQED in San Francisco—have held similar art auctions, live music events, and “silent auctions” to meet the growing gap between production costs and traditional funding streams. According to a recent PBS report, the average amount raised per event has doubled over the past two years, underscoring the effectiveness of creative fundraising strategies.

The Bob Ross auction also dovetailed with the “PBS Funding Challenge” campaign, a nationwide effort launched by PBS to secure $4 billion in public‑broadcasting support over the next five years. WMUR’s success story was featured on the PBS website, further amplifying the station’s impact.

The Road Ahead

While the auction raised a substantial sum, WMUR acknowledges that sustaining public‑TV programming will require ongoing community support. Delgado has called for “new ways to engage—virtual town halls, interactive viewer polls, and more partnerships with local schools—to keep the public invested in their local station.”

In the words of a local school teacher who attended the auction, “We see how vital this station is for our children’s learning, and we’re glad to help keep it running.” Her sentiment reflects the broader community’s appreciation for the role of public media in fostering education, culture, and civic engagement.

As WMUR moves forward, the Bob Ross paintings will remain a testament to the power of art to rally communities and sustain public services. The station’s ability to blend creativity with necessity—whether through a brushstroke or a broadcast—will likely serve as a model for other PBS member stations seeking to secure their futures while continuing to enrich the lives of their viewers.