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Bob Ross painting auction to fund public media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 8:39 GMT by FOX 5 Atlanta
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Bob Ross, Painting Auction Raises Funds for Atlanta’s Public Media

In a heart‑warming blend of nostalgia, art, and community support, Fox 5 Atlanta’s local news team recently covered a unique charity event: a Bob Ross painting auction designed to raise money for the city’s public media partners. The story, which appeared on Fox 5 Atlanta’s website, outlines how the beloved painter’s legacy is being used to bolster public broadcasting in the region, and it offers a glimpse into the generosity of Atlanta’s residents and the power of art to unite people for a good cause.

The Auction: A “Joyful” Fund‑Raiser

The core of the article describes a silent auction set to take place on Saturday, March 17th at the historic WSB‑Television Building, the same venue that has hosted several of Fox 5 Atlanta’s community events over the years. The auction will feature a limited‑edition print of a Bob Ross painting – “The Cozy Cabin in the Woods” – alongside a handful of other related memorabilia, including a signed “Joy of Painting” sketchbook, a set of authentic Ross oil paints, and a framed copy of a classic episode from the 1980s series.

While the primary focus is the Bob Ross piece, the article also highlights the inclusion of other items such as a ticket to a local art workshop, a limited edition “Bob Ross” coffee mug, and a certificate of appreciation from the station’s public media partner, WABE‑PBS. Participants can bid online up to 12 PM on March 15th, after which the auction will close and the highest bids will be announced during the event.

The auction is billed as an “inclusive, community‑oriented fundraiser that will provide a much‑needed boost to public media programming.” According to the article, the proceeds will be funneled directly to WABE’s “Community Programming Fund,” which supports local news production, educational series, and public‑service programming that would otherwise struggle for advertising revenue.

Why Bob Ross?

The article does an excellent job of tying the auction’s success to the enduring popularity of Bob Ross. Ross, who died in 1995, became a national icon through his PBS series “The Joy of Painting,” which aired for 12 years and taught millions how to paint while promoting a calm, positive mindset. The article notes that Ross’s calm demeanor and “paint‑by‑number” style resonated not just with artists but with anyone looking for an escape from the frenetic pace of modern life.

One of the pieces in the auction is a hand‑signed, limited‑edition print of a painting Ross created in the 1970s. The print is believed to be among the last few produced after Ross’s move to Florida, adding a layer of rarity and emotional resonance. The article quotes a local art historian, Dr. Maya Lopez, who explains that “Ross’s works have always had an almost therapeutic quality, and that makes them especially appealing to a community that values the soothing power of art and media.”

Community Voices

The piece is peppered with quotes from key stakeholders:

• Lisa Hart, WABE‑PBS Community Relations Director: “Bob Ross represents the kind of public‑service art that brings people together. His legacy has always been about accessibility and positivity, values that we also champion in our public media programming. This auction is a testament to how the community can rally behind those ideals.”

• Mark Johnson, Fox 5 Atlanta’s Senior Producer: “We’ve seen the impact that WABE has on the city – from local investigative reporting to educational programming. By supporting this auction, we’re not only honoring a cultural icon but also ensuring that public media can continue to thrive.”

• A local resident, Angela Ruiz: “I grew up watching ‘Joy of Painting’ on Saturday mornings. Knowing that a Bob Ross piece will help fund the news and science shows I love is incredible. It feels like we’re paying it forward.”

These voices emphasize that the auction is more than a simple fundraising event—it is a celebration of the intersection of art, community, and media.

The Bigger Picture: Public Media in a Changing Landscape

The article frames the auction within a broader narrative about the challenges facing public media in the digital age. It cites data from a recent study by the Pew Research Center that indicates public broadcasting continues to face financial pressures, with many stations relying heavily on listener and viewer contributions. By directing the proceeds to WABE’s Community Programming Fund, the auction is part of a larger strategy to diversify funding sources.

The article includes a link to WABE’s “About Us” page, where readers can learn more about the station’s history, its commitment to local journalism, and its ongoing public‑service initiatives. The link also directs to the station’s fundraising portal, where viewers can pledge directly or participate in upcoming events.

How to Get Involved

Fox 5 Atlanta’s coverage offers practical details for those who want to participate. Viewers can:

1. Bid Online: All auction items are listed on the station’s website, with a secure bidding platform. Bidders must register by March 15th.
2. Attend the Auction: The auction will take place in person at the WSB‑Television Building. Seating is limited, so RSVP is recommended.
3. Donate: Even if you can’t attend, you can still contribute by making a one‑time donation to WABE’s Community Programming Fund through the station’s online portal.

The article encourages readers to share the auction on social media using the hashtag #BobRossForPublicMedia. The station’s Twitter and Facebook pages are linked, with an invitation to retweet the event’s details.

Looking Ahead

In closing, the article reflects on the symbolic importance of Bob Ross’s legacy. It underscores how a single piece of art can serve as a catalyst for community solidarity, supporting a vital public resource that informs, educates, and entertains. The event is scheduled to be a gathering not just of art enthusiasts but of anyone who values public media’s role in fostering an informed citizenry.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the article offers a link to a separate feature on Fox 5 Atlanta titled “Why Public Media Matters in the Digital Age,” which provides additional context on how local stations like WABE are navigating the evolving media landscape.

In Summary

Fox 5 Atlanta’s coverage of the Bob Ross painting auction showcases a heart‑felt community effort to support the city’s public media. By blending nostalgia with a concrete funding mechanism, the auction serves as a testament to the enduring power of art and media to shape, inform, and inspire. With over 500 words dedicated to this story, the article not only informs readers about the event itself but also highlights the broader significance of maintaining vibrant public broadcasting in an era of rapid digital transformation.