Thirty original paintings by the late American artist Bob Ross, known for his calming demeanour and instructional television series "The Joy of Painting," are set to be auctioned. The proceeds will benefit small and rural public television stations in the United States, which are grappling with substantial reductions in federal funding.

Historical and Political Context

Bob Ross, a public television icon from the 1980s and 90s, dedicated his career to making art accessible to everyone. His show, which aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the US and CBC in Canada, taught millions to paint landscapes with his signature "happy little trees" and "happy accidents." The upcoming auctions aim to uphold his legacy by supporting the very medium that brought his art into American homes for decades, according to Joan Kowalski, President of Bob Ross Inc.

The initiative comes as public broadcasting in the US faces a challenging financial landscape. Congress eliminated $1.1 billion (approximately KES 160 billion) allocated to public broadcasting at the behest of the Trump administration, leaving approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to seek alternative funding. This move has been criticised by public broadcast station leaders, with PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger stating that the cuts go "against the will of the American people."

Laws/Policy and Governance

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private non-profit established in 1967, historically served as a steward of federal funding for public media, distributing funds to around 1,500 local public radio and television stations, as well as PBS and NPR. However, following the federal budget cuts, the CPB announced in August 2025 that it would begin winding down its operations.

The cuts have forced many stations to launch emergency fundraising drives, with some experiencing an outpouring of donor support. Despite this, some stations have had to implement layoffs and reduce programming.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Joan Kowalski, whose parents, Annette and Walt Kowalski, were business partners with Bob Ross in forming Bob Ross Inc. in 1985, now leads the company. She emphasised that the auction ensures Ross's legacy continues to support public television. Public media executives have voiced concerns about the impact of the funding cuts, particularly on smaller and rural stations that provide essential services like emergency alerts and educational programming.

Evidence/Data

• Number of Paintings: 30 original Bob Ross paintings.
• Estimated Value: The 30 paintings have an estimated total value of $850,000 to $1.4 million (approximately KES 124 million to KES 204 million).
• Auction Houses: Bonhams in Los Angeles will conduct the initial auction on Monday, November 11, 2025, with other auctions to follow in London, New York, Boston, and online.
• Federal Funding Cuts: Congress eliminated $1.1 billion (approximately KES 160 billion) in federal funding for public broadcasting.
• Affected Stations: Approximately 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations are impacted by the funding cuts.

Risks/Implications

The federal funding cuts pose a significant risk to the operational stability of numerous public television and radio stations across the US. While some stations have successfully raised alternative funds, others, particularly those in rural areas, face potential closures and a reduction in vital community services, including emergency broadcasting.

Timeline and Next Steps

The first auction of three Bob Ross paintings will take place on Monday, November 11, 2025, at Bonhams in Los Angeles. Subsequent auctions are planned for London, New York, Boston, and online.

What to Watch

Observers will be closely watching the success of these auctions and other fundraising initiatives to determine their effectiveness in mitigating the impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcasting. The long-term sustainability of smaller and rural public television stations remains a key concern.