Bob Ross paintings auctioned to save public TV after funding cuts

In the United States, thirty paintings created by Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to provide support for public television stations facing financial difficulties due to recent federal funding cuts. This auction will take place on November 11, 2025, at Bonhams in Los Angeles, during which three of Ross' iconic paintings will be sold. The auction is part of a larger effort to assist these smaller and rural stations in covering the costs associated with licensing fees for various popular public television programs. The backdrop of this auction stems from significant cuts to public broadcasting funding, amounting to $1.1 billion, which were enacted by Congress as part of President Donald Trump's agenda. As a result, nearly 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations across the nation have been compelled to seek alternative funding sources or risk suffering from program and staff cuts. Many of these stations have launched emergency fundraising campaigns to help alleviate the financial strain caused by these budget cuts, which have led to layoffs and programming reductions. Bob Ross, known for his calming demeanor and encouraging painting lessons, became immensely popular during the 1980s and 1990s as a public television staple. His work not only inspired countless viewers to engage in painting but also made art accessible to a wider audience. The ongoing impact of his legacy has been particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic when many rediscovered his soothing shows, leading to a resurgence in his popularity. The upcoming auction aims to ensure that Ross’ contributions to public television continue supporting the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades. The thirty artworks up for auction represent a range of Bob Ross' artistic endeavors, including serene landscapes that characterize his distinctive style. Most of these paintings were created in real-time during episodes of his television series, each taking less than thirty minutes to complete. Previous auctions of Ross' paintings have garnered impressive prices, with two mountain-and-lake scenes from the 1990s selling for over $200,000 combined. The total estimated value of the upcoming auction for these thirty paintings is between $850,000 and $1.4 million. The proceeds will be committed to assisting public television stations that rely on content from American Public Television to continue delivering their cherished programs to the audience.