Bob Ross paintings auctioned to aid public TV
Thirty original Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned—starting with a Bonhams sale in Los Angeles on Nov. 11, 2025 and followed by sales in London, New York, Boston and online—to raise funds to help small and rural U.S. public television stations cover licensing and programming costs after Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in public‑broadcasting funding. Bob Ross Inc. and Bonhams say all profits will be pledged to stations that take programs from distributor American Public Television, with estimated proceeds totaling $850,000–$1.4 million.
Arts
Media
Government
📌 Key Facts
- Thirty Bob Ross paintings (many painted on‑air in ~30 minutes) are being offered; Bonhams will auction three in Los Angeles on Nov. 11, 2025
- Congress recently eliminated $1.1 billion in federal public‑broadcasting funding, leaving roughly 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations seeking emergency support
- Estimated total value of the upcoming auctions is $850,000–$1.4 million; Bonhams cited prior Ross sales of $114,800 and $95,750 as comparables
📚 Contextual Background
- A continuing resolution (CR) is a short-term funding measure used to keep the federal government open temporarily while Congress completes the appropriations process.