Thirty Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned to help public television stations facing federal funding cuts. Bonhams in Los Angeles begins selling three paintings November 11, with additional auctions planned for London, New York, Boston and online. All proceeds support stations using American Public Television content. Joan Kowalski, Bob Ross Inc. president, said Ross “dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone” and “this auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades.” Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funding, affecting 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations. The paintings span Ross’ career and depict his signature mountain vistas and lake scenes. Most were created on-air in under 30 minutes per episode. Bonhams estimates the collection’s total value between $850,000 and $1.4 million. (Story URL)
