Bob Ross Original Paintings Auctioned to Support Public Television Stations
Three original paintings by Bob Ross are going up for auction to support public television stations following funding cuts by the Trump administration. The paintings, featured on Ross' show "The Joy of Painting," include "Cliffside" from 1990, "Winter’s Peace" from 1993, and "Home in the Valley" also from 1993. Bids for the paintings range from $25,000 to $50,000, each bearing Ross' signature in the lower left corner.
Bob Ross Inc. president Joan Kowalski stated that the auction will help continue Ross' legacy of bringing joy and creativity to American homes through his art. The auction, hosted by Bonhams, is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.
The auction comes in response to President Trump's executive order in May to cut public funding for PBS and National Public Radio, citing biased news coverage. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting was directed to reduce funding to these organizations as permitted by law.