Three original paintings by beloved American television icon Bob Ross were auctioned at Bonhams on Tuesday, selling for a combined total of $600,000. The works—Cliffside (1990), Home in the Valley (1993), and Winter's Peace (1993)—were among the top lots in a California and Western art sale. Proceeds from this and future sales of 30 Ross canvases will benefit American Public Television, a nonprofit syndicator affected by federal budget cuts. The idea originated with Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., after earlier Ross paintings sold well above estimates at Bonhams.
The sale matters because it highlights the enduring commercial appeal of Bob Ross's work, while also demonstrating how art auctions can serve philanthropic purposes—in this case, supporting public broadcasting amid political funding pressures. The strong results, with Home in the Valley fetching $318,000 against a $30,000–50,000 estimate, underscore the growing market for Ross's paintings, which were created on his iconic PBS show "The Joy of Painting." The remaining 27 works will be sold by Bonhams in 2026 across New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, potentially generating significant additional revenue for American Public Television.