30 paintings by artist Bob Ross are up for auction

Following budget cuts for public broadcasting in the US, original paintings by renowned artist and television personality Bob Ross are to be auctioned.

The revenue generated will be transferred to public television channels across the country.

30 paintings will be available for sale

According to NBC News, auction house Bonhams announced that 30 paintings by Ross will be offered in separate auctions. The first auction, titled "California and Western Art," will be held on November 11.

This event will feature three of Ross's works: "Cliffside" from 1990, "Winter's Peace" from 1993, and "Home in the Valley" from 1993.

Ross's signature appears in the lower left corner of the paintings. The total sales value of the works is estimated to be between $850,000 and $ 1.4 million.

“The most meaningful way to share your art with the public”

“Bob Ross dedicated his life to bringing art to everyone. This auction ensures his legacy continues to support public television that brings art into homes,” said Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross Inc.

Jim Dunford, President of Public Broadcasting USA, said, “Public media has always been a model of solidarity between the public and private sectors. This auction is a prime example of that partnership.”

Funding cuts to public broadcasting

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in May that ended public funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and PBS television. The White House claimed the outlets were “using millions of dollars in taxpayer dollars for partisan and biased news .”

This decision has left hundreds of local radio and television stations facing financial crisis. Some have launched emergency fundraising campaigns, while others have been forced to cancel programming or lay off staff.

“Happy little trees” will come to life again

All auction proceeds will benefit American Public Television and PBS stations.

Bob Ross, who introduced millions to the joy of painting with his program "The Joy of Painting," which aired from 1983 to 1994, passed away in 1995. With his broadcasts regaining popularity on digital platforms during the pandemic, the artist's words "happy little trees" and "there are no mistakes, only happy accidents" were once again remembered by a wider audience.