Bob Ross Paintings Auctioned to Support US Public Television Funding

Bob Ross Art Auction for Public Broadcasting

• 🎨 Three original paintings by Bob Ross are being auctioned by Bonhams in Los Angeles.
• 📺 The auction is organized by American Public Television with the goal of supporting public television stations across the US.
• 🖼️ This event is part of the largest release of Ross originals to the public, with a total of 30 paintings to be auctioned.
• 💸 All net proceeds from the auction will benefit public broadcasting.

Inspiration and Purpose of the Auction

• 💡 The idea for the auction was inspired by the high prices achieved by two privately owned Ross paintings earlier this year.
• 🤝 Joan Kowalsski of Bob Ross Incorporated initiated the idea to help address the shortfall in federal funds for public television.
• 🤔 The initiative is seen as something Bob Ross himself would have supported if he were alive.

Financial Strain on Public Media

• 📉 The auction occurs during a period of financial strain for public media.
• ✂️ In July 2025, Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
• 🎯 This funding cut aligns with a long-standing goal of President Donald Trump to defund public media.

Ross's Belief in Accessible Public Television

• 🌍 The auction reflects Bob Ross's belief that public television should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
• 🆘 Gabriella Jones Lichfield of GJL Media highlighted the desperate need to fulfill this funding gap and ensure the future survival of public television.