Buzz
Bob Ross, the cheerful painter of landscapes from the TV series 'The Joy of Painting,' passed away in 1995. Yet his love for 'happy little trees' continues to thrive. Bob Ross Inc. has teamed up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to distribute 1,000 trees across the state.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, a 13-year-old initiative allowing inmates to cultivate trees for Michigan’s state parks will now carry the Bob Ross brand. The trees will be marked by signs saying 'Happy Little Trees Ahead' alongside the artist's likeness.
While the 'Happy Little Trees' signs will be seen in only a few parks, 21 locations will receive trees. About 30 to 40 inmates from the Ionia, Muskegon, and Jackson correctional facilities will grow varieties like white cedar, paper birch, sugar maple, and black cherry before they are planted in May. Volunteers who help plant the trees will receive a special Happy Little Trees t-shirt.
Located in Herndon, Virginia, Bob Ross Inc. manages licensing for the Ross brand, including the recently released Funko Pop! figure of the beloved painter, which has become one of the most sought-after items featuring his name.
