A recent auction hosted by comedian and television host John Oliver has successfully raised $1.5 million to support public media organizations. The centerpiece of the event, an original painting by the beloved television artist Bob Ross, sold for a record-breaking price of $1,035,000.
The funds generated from the sale of the painting and other show memorabilia will be directed to the Public Media Bridge Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance to public television and radio stations across the country.
Key Takeaways
- An auction organized by John Oliver's show, "Last Week Tonight," raised a total of $1.5 million.
- A Bob Ross painting, "Cabin at Sunset," sold for $1,035,000, setting a new auction record for the artist's work.
- Proceeds will benefit the Public Media Bridge Fund, which supports public broadcasting stations.
- The auction also featured 34 other items, including unique memorabilia from the show.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, humorously titled "John Oliver's Junk," was announced on the final episode of the most recent season of his HBO show, "Last Week Tonight." The main attraction was an authentic Bob Ross painting titled "Cabin at Sunset," which Ross created during season 10 of his iconic program, The Joy of Painting.
After receiving 35 bids, the painting's final sale price reached $1,035,000. This figure establishes a new public auction record for a work by Bob Ross, whose art has seen a significant increase in market value in recent years.
"We’ve actually accumulated a bunch of weird artifacts on this show over the years that we could definitely auction off to raise some much needed money," Oliver stated on his program when announcing the initiative. "I am proud to announce last week tonight’s first ever auction in aid of public media."
More Than Just a Painting
While the Ross painting was the headline item, the auction included 34 other eclectic pieces of memorabilia from the show's history. These unique items contributed significantly to the total amount raised.
Some of the notable items sold include:
- A jockstrap previously worn by actor Russell Crowe.
- A cabbage that Oliver humorously "married" during a segment on AI-generated art.
- A pair of golden sneakers connected to a decade-old promise regarding the resignation of a former FIFA president.
Surprising Bids
Beyond the main attractions, a pair of VIP tickets to a future live taping of "Last Week Tonight" also garnered substantial interest, ultimately selling for over $110,000.
Supporting Public Broadcasting
The entire $1.5 million raised from the auction has been transferred to the Public Media Bridge Fund. This fund is designed to provide critical financial support to public radio and television stations that may be facing funding shortages.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967. While it receives significant federal funding—over $1 billion in some years—it is not a government agency. Public stations like those on PBS and NPR rely heavily on viewer and listener donations, corporate underwriting, and fundraising events to cover their operational costs, which is why pledge drives are a common feature of their programming.
The idea to auction Ross's artwork for this cause originated with Bob Ross Inc., the company that manages the artist's estate and legacy. The company recently organized its own auction of three Ross paintings, which raised over $600,000 for public media, inspiring Oliver's subsequent effort.
"I think this actually would have been Bob’s idea. And when I think about that, it makes me very proud."
The Enduring Legacy of Bob Ross
Bob Ross and his show, The Joy of Painting, were staples of public television for over a decade. His calm demeanor and encouraging message that anyone could paint resonated with millions of viewers, and his connection to the public broadcasting system was fundamental to his career.
The recent surge in auction prices for his work reflects a growing appreciation for his art and cultural impact. Before Oliver's record-setting sale, an earlier auction handled by Bonham's auctioneers saw three other Ross paintings sell for far beyond their initial estimates.
A Bull Market for "Happy Little Trees"
The three paintings sold in the prior auction demonstrated strong market demand:
- Winter's Peace (1993): Sold for $318,000.
- Home in the Valley (1993): Fetched $229,100.
- Cliffside (1990): Brought in $114,800.
Each of these pieces was initially estimated to sell for between $25,000 and $30,000, but intense bidding quickly drove the prices up. Oliver's auction has now pushed the value of a premier Bob Ross work past the one-million-dollar mark, cementing the artist's status not only as a cultural icon but also as a significant figure in the art market.
This fundraising success highlights a continued commitment from both cultural figures and the public to support the mission of public media, ensuring its programming remains accessible for years to come.