Bob Ross Paintings Fetch Over $600,000 at Auction to Benefit Public Television
Three paintings by beloved artist and television host Bob Ross have sold for a combined $619,800 at auction, significantly exceeding pre-sale estimates and providing a crucial financial boost to public television stations nationwide. The auction, held by Bonhams in Boston on November 11, 2025, saw spirited bidding for the works, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Ross and his art.
The proceeds from the sale will be distributed to public television stations that rely on content from American Public Television, helping to cover licensing fees for popular programs like “AmericaS Test Kitchen,” “julia Child’s French Chef Classics,” and “This Old House.” This comes at a critical time for manny stations, especially smaller and rural outlets, following recent federal funding cuts that have left hundreds facing financial hardship.
The paintings-created during the run of Ross’s iconic show, ”The Joy of Painting”-represent a rare chance for collectors to own a piece of television history. bids for all three works surpassed expectations, which had topped out around $50,000.
“The stations have been the gateway for generations of viewers to discover not just Bob’s gentle teaching,but the transformative power of the arts,” said Joan Kowalski,president of Bob Ross Inc., in a statement.
The financial lifeline arrives as public broadcasting faces significant challenges. Congress, at the request of the Trump Management, eliminated $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting, impacting approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations.
Additional Bob Ross paintings are slated for auction at Bonhams in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on January 27, and in New York City at a later date. Ross, who died in 1995 at age 52 from complications from cancer, remains a cultural icon, with his calming demeanor and encouraging messages resonating with audiences old and new-particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, when viewership of his shows surged. He was known for his signature phrase, turning painting errors into “happy accidents.”
