How much did Bob Ross' 'Cabin at Sunset' painting sell for?

Bob Ross' 'Cabin at Sunset' painting sold for $1,044,000 at auction.

Why did John Oliver auction items for public broadcasting?

John Oliver auctioned items to raise funds for public broadcasting, which faced a $1.1 billion cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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

Q: What is the Public Media Bridge Fund?

The Public Media Bridge Fund provides temporary financial assistance to local public broadcasters affected by budget cuts.

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.

Bob Ross Painting Sells for Over $1 Million for Public Media

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.