Thirty original paintings by the late artist Bob Ross will go under the hammer on November 11, in an effort to raise funds for public broadcasters struggling to stay afloat after the loss of federal subsidies.
“Bob devoted his life to making art accessible to everyone,” said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. “This auction ensures that his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades.”
The collection — drawn from works featured on The Joy of Painting — is expected to sell for between $850,000 and $1.4 million.
Bob Ross hosted The Joy of Painting in the 1980s and ’90s — a beloved public TV series in which he painted live on air, inspiring millions in the U.S. and around the world.
Public broadcasters across the country have been scrambling to fill the funding gap since Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in federal support. Many have launched emergency fundraising campaigns, while others have been forced to lay off staff and cut programming.
Ross, who died in 1995 from cancer complications, hosted The Joy of Painting for 11 years. Known for his gentle voice, serene landscapes, and phrases like “happy little clouds” and “no mistakes, just happy accidents,” he became a cultural icon whose influence continues to bridge art, education, and kindness nearly three decades after his death.
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