People around the world are familiar with the work and personality of Bob Ross, the American painter, art instructor and television host who in the ’80s and ’90s shared his love for painting and the environment with millions of viewers on the PBS show, “The Joy of Painting.” Ross was known for demonstrating seemingly simple brushstrokes that brought gorgeous landscapes – full of happy little trees – to life on the canvas.
Ross would say, 'we don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents.' 28 In 2014, the blog FiveThirtyEight analysed 381 episodes in which Ross painted live, concluding that 91% of Ross's paintings contained at least one tree, 44% included clouds, 39% included mountains and 34% included mountain lakes. Happy Little Tree Bob Style Vintage Design, Happy Little Trees PNG, Retro Bob Ross, Honor Of Bob Ross, Bob Ross Sunset Background D-24032112 DirectGoodies 1 out of 5 stars (2). Lorrie Brogan Art, Seattle, Washington. Abstract artist living in Seattle, WA. A tree is not a forest. On its own, a tree cannot establish a consistent local climate. It is at the mercy of wind and weather. But together, many trees create an ecosystem that moderates extremes of heat and cold, stores a great deal of water, and generates a great deal of humidity. And in this protected environment, trees can live to be very old.
Bob Ross and the DNR
During the Michigan state parks centennial in 2019, the DNR Parks and Recreation Division pitched a partnership idea to Bob Ross Inc. to help raise awareness of forest protection efforts to help expand the division’s stewardship efforts. The program is now known as Happy Little Trees.
How the program works
Through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections, seeds are placed in the care of inmates in one of the department’s correctional education programs where inmates learn horticultural practices and help raise new trees for replanting. Collection of local native seeds is key to growing trees, shrubs, grasses and plant products for use in state parks within the same geographical region to provide the best opportunity to survive and to emulate local plant communities.
The program has produced more than 100,000 native plants, shrubs and trees since its start in 2004. With support from the Bob Ross partnership, more than 2,100 trees have been planted in 20 state parks across Michigan. The U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chateau Grand Traverse also have provided significant support for the program. Visitors to state parks where trees have been planted will see bright green “Happy Little Trees Ahead” signs to note the program’s important contributions.
Volunteers
The partnership between the DNR and Bob Ross Inc. involves hundreds of volunteers planting trees, thousands of 5K race participants raising funds and awareness and lots of “happy little trees” throughout Michigan.
Throughout the year we have many events that amp up the fun of painting with friends. Our Mother’s Day Tea and Paint is so popular that we have both a brunch and afternoon tea time party.
Our Bob Ross paint night honors the inspiring quiet man himself. Donned in curly wig and armed with Bob Ross trivia, we give away prizes while creating our “happy little trees.”
Family Paint and Pizza night discounts the fee so families can enjoy a pizza dinner with the entertainment built in. A terrific way to bond with the family and encourage creativity and lateral thinking.
Valentine’s Day Couples Paint is a wonderful experience. Each partner paints their own half of their heart and when the two come together in the ‘big reveal’ at the end, tears well! It is a fun evening for all.
Happy Little Trees Mac Os 11
Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas themed classes begin in the fall. Look for ghosts, bats and pumpkins as well as our little snowman and angels every year.
Our Art and Craft Fair happens at least once a year and sometimes we get a burst of energy and have two. Local artisans, refreshments and music along with students and teacher art for sale.
Happy Little Trees Studio
We celebrate New Year, Mardi Gras, Dia de los Muertos, Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, 4th July and even a solstice or two - we’ll keep you posted on our schedule.