Three original paintings by the beloved television artist Bob Ross will be auctioned on March 25, 2025, in Los Angeles, with the proceeds dedicated to supporting public television stations across the United States. This auction, conducted by Bonhams, represents the largest collection of Ross originals ever made available to the public, with a total of thirty paintings set to be sold, all aimed at benefiting public broadcasting.
Two of the featured paintings were created during Ross’ long-running PBS series, The Joy of Painting, which aired from January 1983 to May 1994. The collection also includes a unique seascape painted for an instructional book authored by Ross. The initiative for this auction was spearheaded by Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., the organization responsible for managing the artist’s legacy and intellectual property.
Kowalski was prompted to organize the auction following the impressive sale of two privately owned Bob Ross paintings at Bonhams earlier in 2025. She reached out to American Public Television (APT) to discuss the possibility of a larger auction that could help address recent funding cuts to public media.
“I had this idea in the middle of the night. I didn’t know if it would work, but little by little, I pieced it together,” Kowalski said. “I believe it’s something Bob would have supported if he were still here.”
Financial Challenges for Public Media
The auction occurs at a critical moment for public media in the United States. In July 2025, Congress cut $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, fulfilling a goal aimed at reducing public media support. This funding loss has intensified the need for alternative revenue sources for public broadcasting.
Gabriella Jones-Litchfield, president of GJL Media and consultant for APT, emphasized that the auction embodies Ross’s ethos of making public television accessible to all. “Whether you’re in rural America or in a major city, public television serves everyone,” she stated. “We are in urgent need of bridging this funding gap and reimagining the future of public television.”
Aaron Bastian, senior director of California and Western paintings at Bonhams, expressed optimism about the auction’s potential. “It’s a risk. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Bastian noted. “I hope people will be moved to contribute, knowing the funds will support a worthy cause while allowing them to take home a piece of history.”
The Enduring Legacy of Bob Ross
Bob Ross, who passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52, is remembered for his gentle teaching style and uplifting philosophy. His influence continues to resonate, particularly among younger audiences who have rediscovered his work through social media and streaming platforms.
The auction not only aims to secure funding for vital public television services but also celebrates the artistic legacy of Ross, whose calm demeanor and encouragement inspired countless viewers to explore their own creativity. As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a significant event for both art collectors and supporters of public broadcasting.
This initiative stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Bob Ross and the importance of public television in enriching the cultural landscape of the United States.
