LOS ANGELES (WISH) — Three original paintings by iconic artist Bob Ross were auctioned off for over $650,000 to support public television stations.
The Tuesday auction, organized by American Public Television, was the largest release of Ross originals ever offered to the public. Proceeds from the sale will benefit public broadcasting, following the congressional decision in July to eliminate more than a billion dollars of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., initiated the auction after observing high prices for two privately owned Ross paintings sold earlier this year. “Came up with this idea, no idea if it would work or not. But, little by little put the pieces together and decided it’s really kind of a great idea and I decided it’s probably something Bob would have decided to do if he was still here.”
Bob Ross, known for hosting “The Joy of Painting,” aired his show for 11 years on PBS from WIPB in Muncie, Indiana.
Since his death in 1995, Ross’s work has gained renewed popularity through social media and streaming platforms.
The auction comes at a crucial time for public television stations, which are facing significant funding challenges due to recent federal budget cuts. The funds raised from the sale of Ross’s paintings will provide much-needed support to these stations.
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