How much did Bob Ross's paintings sell for at auction?

Three of Bob Ross's paintings sold for over $1 million at auction.

Where will the money from the Bob Ross painting sales go?

The net proceeds from the sales will fund public television stations in the U.S.

Why is Bob Ross's art being sold to fund public television?

The sales aim to provide support to public television after significant funding cuts were made to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting by the Trump administration.

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Bob Ross Art Sells Big for Public TV Funding

29 Jan

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Summary

Three Bob Ross paintings sold for over $1 million at auction.
Net proceeds will fund public television stations.
Funding comes after significant cuts under the Trump administration.

Bob Ross Art Sells Big for Public TV Funding

Three paintings by the late artist Bob Ross have collectively sold for more than $1 million at auction, with all net proceeds designated to support public television. The sales occurred in Massachusetts, with one painting, 'Change of Seasons,' alone fetching $787,900. Other works, 'Babbling Brook' and 'Valley View,' also achieved prices significantly above their estimates.

These auctions are a significant effort to bolster public broadcasting funding. This comes after President Donald Trump's administration enacted cuts totaling $1.1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in July 2025. The funds raised are intended to offset station licensing fees and ensure the continuation of popular educational shows.

Bob Ross, a cultural icon known for his television series 'The Joy of Painting' from 1983 to 1994, passed away in 1995. His legacy continues through these art sales, aiming to preserve the accessibility of art and educational content for future generations.