As the creator and host of the PBS series, “The Joy of Painting,” Bob Ross was a fixture on television for over a decade, where–for 30 minutes each week–he taught us to paint. Ross made art and painting accessible to anyone, to learn from the comfort of their living room. In the process, he became an enduring icon. As he created his “happy paintings,” he provided inspiration and instruction to his audience. He coined well-known Ross-isms like “Happy little trees” and “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”
Today, Ross’s message lives on. He has inspired new generations of artists that are drawn to his distinctive hair, gentle voice, and quirky, signature expressions. This year, Morrison’
Designed by young, talented, local artist, W. Layne, the dark blue shirt features Ross, with paintbrush in hand and Peapod the pocket squirrel, ready to enjoy the “joy of painting,” against a background of pine trees and majestic mountains.
“My love for drawing began at a very young age,” says Layne. “I’ve always loved art, but my appreciation for the arts started with cartoons.” Like Ross, who frequently explained that artists could find freedom through their unlimited power to move mountains and bend rivers, Layne loves the idea of creating and directing the story through artwork.
“I enjoy drawing portraits, self-portraits, and mostly everyday things and people.” Layne’s favorite type of art is Renaissance, pop art, collage, and surrealism. “I am so excited that my design was chosen for this year’s PTT shirt….I hope it serves as a reminder that there is an artist hidden at the bottom of every single one of us.”
Partnering with Layne on this year’s shirt design was Amanda Cook, PTT Board Member and Creative Director of Simply Aesthetic Design & Photography.
Bob Ross said, “All you need is the desire to make beautiful things happen on canvas.” Each blank square or circle on Morrison’s Main Street is a canvas, ready to receive the beautiful creations of event participants.
To register for your square or circle to “Paint the Happy Little Town of Morrison” and to receive your commemorative PTT t-shirt, visit paintthetownmorrison.com.
PTT is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2023, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Pre-registered supplies bag pickup and Late Registration will be located next to the American Legion, 306 E. Main Street Morrison, IL.