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A collection of 30 original landscape paintings by the late, celebrated artist Bob Ross, many of which were created during live broadcasts of his popular PBS series \"The Joy of Painting,\" are slated for auction in the coming months. This significant event aims to bolster public television networks that have recently experienced reductions in federal funding. Ross, renowned for his signature afro, calming voice, and optimistic philosophy, inspired millions to engage with art through his show, which aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His influence remains strong, with his programs still broadcast on PBS and streamed across various platforms, experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certified instructors continue to teach his unique wet-on-wet oil painting method, and several of his works were acquired by the Smithsonian for its permanent collection in 2019.

The American Public Television (APT), a non-profit syndicator, is spearheading this auction, with Bonhams managing the sale of these unique pieces. The entire net proceeds from the sale will be allocated to APT and PBS stations throughout the nation. Bonhams has highlighted this as the largest collection of original Bob Ross works ever presented to the market. Ross's name has become synonymous with public broadcasting, so much so that activists advocating for renewed federal funding often reference him. Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross, Inc., stated that this auction ensures Ross’s legacy continues to support the medium that brought his joy and artistic vision into American homes for decades. The initial three paintings will be auctioned in Los Angeles on November 11, with subsequent sales scheduled through 2026 at Bonhams' venues in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as public broadcasters are grappling with financial challenges. Following presidential directives, Congress voted in July to reclaim $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), leaving approximately 330 PBS and 244 NPR stations in a vulnerable position. Consequently, the CPB began its shutdown process in September, PBS has reduced its workforce by 15%, and numerous local TV and radio stations have reported layoffs and closures. The proceeds from the Ross auction are designed to help these stations, particularly smaller and rural ones, cover licensing fees for the national TV channel Create. This channel broadcasts popular public television programs such as \"The Best of the Joy of Painting,\" \"America's Test Kitchen,\" \"Rick Steves' Europe,\" and Julia Child's \"French Chef Classics.\" Bonhams believes that the auction will alleviate the financial burden of licensing fees, thereby making Create accessible to a broader range of stations and enabling them to sustain educational programming and local content production, which are jeopardized by federal funding cuts. Ross's paintings, characterized by serene mountains, picturesque lake views, and his iconic \"happy trees,\" span his career and have largely remained out of public view since their creation on air. He developed his painting skills during his two-decade career in the Air Force, much of which was spent in Alaska, influencing his preference for landscapes and his rapid painting technique. His gentle teaching approach and optimistic outlook captivated millions, offering wisdom applicable not only to art but also to life, emphasizing that mistakes are merely \"happy accidents\" and that true talent is a \"pursued interest.\" Given that Ross primarily painted for teaching rather than sale, his works rarely appear on the market. In August, two of his early 1990s mountain and lake scenes were sold for $114,800 and $95,750, respectively, setting new auction records for his work. Robin Starr, general manager of Bonhams Skinner, anticipates that the upcoming 30 paintings could collectively fetch between $850,000 and $1.4 million, potentially setting new records due to their unique history and the charitable cause they support.

The legacy of Bob Ross extends far beyond the canvas, embodying a spirit of accessible creativity and enduring optimism. This auction serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to inspire and unite, while also highlighting the vital role public broadcasting plays in enriching communities. By supporting the continued operation of these essential platforms, we ensure that the \"joy of painting\"—and the broader spectrum of educational and cultural content—remains available for future generations, fostering a world where artistic expression and lifelong learning flourish for everyone.