Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bob Ross Painting Sells for Over $1 Million for Public Media
Bob Ross Painting Sells for Over $1 Million for Public Media
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Bob Ross' 'Cabin at Sunset' painting sold for $1,044,000.
- The auction raised nearly $1.54 million for the Public Media Bridge Fund.
- The funds support local public broadcasters impacted by budget cuts.
A cherished painting by beloved artist Bob Ross has shattered auction records, fetching an astonishing $1,044,000 for public media. The "Cabin at Sunset" artwork, created during a 1986 episode of "The Joy of Painting," was a highlight of an auction initiated by "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver."
This significant sale was part of a broader effort to support public broadcasting, which has faced substantial budget reductions. The "John Oliver's Junk" auction successfully raised nearly $1.54 million in total, with proceeds benefiting the Public Media Bridge Fund. This fund provides crucial temporary financial assistance to local public broadcasters across the country.
Other unique items from the show's history also contributed to the fundraising total, demonstrating a creative approach to securing essential funding for public media. The initiative underscores the importance of these stations, particularly in rural areas, and highlights a successful campaign to ensure their continued operation.
