A rare original Bob Ross painting with deep ties to Ball State University and East Central Indiana sold today for $320,000 at auction, with net proceeds from the sale supporting Ball State PBS.
The painting, Mountain Summit, was created by Mr. Ross for Season 13, Episode 10 of The Joy of Painting. The work was auctioned by Bonhams Skinner as part of its American Stories: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence sale in Marlborough, Mass.
Mr. Ross filmed 30 of the 31 seasons of The Joy of Painting at WIPB in Muncie, helping connect Ball State PBS with one of public television’s most beloved programs.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm surrounding this auction,” said Angie Grimes, interim general manager and director of audience development for Ball State Public Media. “Bob Ross created so much of The Joy of Painting here in Muncie, and this result is a meaningful reminder of the lasting relationship he built with WIPB. To see that legacy continue supporting the station decades later—at such an important time for public media—is incredibly special for all of us at Ball State PBS.”
Net proceeds from the sale will support Ball State PBS’ educational, cultural, and community-focused programming. Ball State PBS is part of Ball State Public Media, which also includes Indiana Public Radio.
For more information about Ball State Public Media and its programming, visit ballstatepbs.org and indianapublicradio.org.
