Bob Ross Painting Priced At $10 Million For Sale At Minneapolis Gallery

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis art gallery is selling a piece of pop culture history — but it doesn’t come cheap.

Modern Artifact has listed among its offerings “A Walk in the Woods,” which was created on-air and signed by Bob Ross in 1983 for the very first episode of his long-running television show, “The Joy of Painting.” The piece is priced at $9.85 million.

Described by the gallery as Ross’ “rookie card” and “the most historically significant Bob Ross original painting ever created,” the 24-by-18-inch rendering of trees and rocks beside a stream comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The first season of "The Joy of Painting" was filmed in Falls Creek, Virginia, and the painting from Ross' first show was sold months later to raise funds for the local PBS station. A volunteer at the station bought the painting for an undisclosed price and hung it in her home for 39 years until getting in touch with gallery owner Ryan Nelson, who has bought and sold more than 100 of Ross' works.

The asking price is far more than any other Ross painting has sold for, but "A Walk in the Woods" is unique and Nelson isn't looking for a quick sale, according to publicist Megan Hoffman. She noted Ross' popularity has soared in recent years, with 5.63 million subscribers to a YouTube channel featuring his shows.

Known for his peaceful demeanor and belief that anyone can paint, Ross hosted “The Joy of Painting” for over a decade. He died of lymphoma in 1995 at age 52.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.