By Angie Rapp—
MUNCIE, IN— Ball State PBS (formerly WIPB-TV), the producing station of The Joy of Painting is happy to announce the return of Happy Little Fest—the annual celebration of “all things Bob Ross”—at the place the iconic painter called home for many years.
Happy Little Fest is set for 1– 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in the Greensward space.
From 1983 to 1994, The Joy of Painting was filmed at WIPB’s two homes in Muncie. Early seasons were produced at the original studio inside the L.L. Ball home on Minnetrista Blvd., before the station moved to its current home in the E. F. Ball Communication Building at Ball State, where Ross continued painting until the series concluded. Both locations remain part of the proud legacy of public media and creative storytelling.
“As the home of the popular The Joy of Painting series and America’s favorite television painter, Bob Ross, who inspired generations of people to try their hand at creating art…we’re proud to bring this event back to East Central Indiana,” said Dr. Phil Hoffman, assistant dean of media and general manager of Ball State Public Media.
“Now more than ever, we want to honor the creative legacy Bob Ross created with us at Ball State PBS. As we continue to grow our local storytelling and community programming, we hope everyone will join us to express their creative side,” said Dr. Hoffman.
“Minnetrista is thrilled to be involved in this year’s Happy Little Fest! Like our friends at Ball State PBS, we are proud that Bob Ross filmed The Joy of Painting here, and we are glad to help share the positive spirit that Bob Ross generated,” said Brian Statz, President and CEO of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.
The fest includes:
- “See Where Bob Painted” from 1-4 p.m. Take a shuttle to Ball State PBS studios in the E. F. Ball Communication Bldg., where The Joy of Painting was filmed, and you’ll be able to watch a painting demonstration from Certified Ross Instructor Chris Taylor in the spot where Bob painted. While you’re there, take in original Bob Ross paintings, relax with a glass of sweet tea, and watch episodes of The Joy of Painting.
- “The Whole Experience” The festival includes entry to all exhibits at Minnetrista, including The Bob Ross Experience, which will be launching a new gallery of Ross paintings with Nestled Cabins.
- “Happy Little Games” from 1-4 p.m., hourly. Channel your inner Bob and test how well you know your Bob Ross facts.
- “Look Like Bob” Contest at 2:30 p.m. Come dressed as America’s favorite painter for the chance to win a fabulous prize and bragging rights.
- “Paint Like Bob” This is a painting workshop where you’ll learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from experienced Certified Ross Instructors®. No experience necessary. We provide the tools and paint; you take home the canvas! The workshop for kids 13 and under is at 1 p.m., and adults paint at 3 p.m.
- “Art Demonstrations” There will be Bob Ross-themed art demonstrations, including a stained-glass demonstration by Erika Markley, a felting demo by Nelly DeVault, and a painting demo by Maya Doss.
- But wait…there’s more…The fest also includes food trucks, live music, the larger-than-life BOB-ble Head, Peapod the Squirrel, and lots of great photo ops.
TICKETS
This is a ticketed event.
General / Adult tickets are $20 and kids 13 and under are free.
Includes access to all activity tents, Minnetrista exhibits, WIPB Studio Tours and painting gallery.
Painting Workshop tickets are $55.
Purchase tickets at minnetrista.net.
This event is presented locally by 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union and by Bob Ross, Inc. Additional support is provided by Masters Insurance, Dillman’s Furniture and Mattress, Wilhoite Family Dentistry, Donahue Gas and Parker Electrical Service.
This is a rain or shine event. Proceeds benefit Ball State PBS and Minnetrista Museum & Gardens.
Angie Rapp is Director of Audience Development, Ball State Public Media, at Ball State University.
