Legendary American Artist Bob Ross to be Inducted Posthumously
(Indianapolis, Indiana) Today Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. (IPBS) announced its 2024 class of inductees into the IPBS Hall of Fame. The inductees are:
Alan Cloe – Former Executive Vice President of WFYI Public Media (Indianapolis)
Bob Ross – American painter and art instructor best known for creating and hosting television’s “The Joy of Painting” produced by Ball State Public Media (Muncie)
Harvey Stauffer – Long time host of The Blues Revue on 88.1 WVPE-FM (Elkhart)
George Walker – Former public radio host and classical music aficionado onWFIU-FM (Bloomington)
“We are delighted to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals,” said Anthony Hunt, Chairman of the IPBS Board and General Manager of 88.1 WVPE-FM. “Their outstanding achievements define excellence in our industry, and we are so pleased to be recognizing them for their substantial impact.”
The Hall of Fame was established in 2023 by the IPBS Board of Directors to honor individuals with Hoosier ties who have made meaningful contributions to the advancement of public media in Indiana, the nation, or the world. Inductees have achieved excellence by embracing public service, providing leadership, and enhancing quality of life in Indiana communities and beyond.
To be eligible, nominees for the Hall of Fame must be champions of public media with ties to Indiana and the industry who inspire confidence in and from others, work to increase value in people and situations, focus on good, and invest time in purposeful activities. Inductees are selected annually.
“These individuals have all achieved remarkable success and have set a lasting example of commitment that inspires others,” remarked Hunt.
The IPBS Hall of Fame Awards will be presented on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Carmel, IN at the Renaissance Hotel and will coincide with the IPBS Annual Conference.
About IPBS
Established in 1975, IPBS is a not-for-profit association of 17 public television and radio stations. Together, these stations deliver programming to Hoosiers that engages, educates, and inspires. Stations are located in Bloomington, Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Muncie, South Bend, Vincennes and West Lafayette. To learn more about Indiana Public Broadcasting, Inc., visit IPBS.org.
About Alan Cloe
Alan Cloe served WFYI Public Media in Indianapolis with distinction as Executive Vice President during a career that spanned four decades beginning in 1970. He significantly contributed to the growth and success of WFYI, enhancing its educational and cultural programming. During his career, he oversaw all aspects of WFYI’s content services and was involved in nearly every strategic decision. Under his leadership, WFYI launched the “American Graduate” initiative, addressing the high school dropout crisis by highlighting community-based solutions and success stories. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the creation of “Indiana Week in Review,” the long-running program that provides in-depth analysis of state politics and current events. He also managed WFYI’s conversion to digital television and HD radio.
Cloe’s leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping WFYI’s mission and community impact. His efforts not only expanded the station’s reach but also its relevance and engagement with diverse audiences. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication to public broadcasting, Cloe received several prestigious awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest honors, and the National Friends of Public Broadcasting Award for his advocacy and support of public media.
In 2024, Cloe is being inducted into the Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates his enduring commitment to advancing public media and enriching the lives of audiences across Indiana. His legacy is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for public service.
About Bob Ross
Bob Ross, the beloved American painter and art instructor, is best known for creating and hosting “The Joy of Painting,” a television program produced by Ball State Public Media in Muncie. Through his gentle demeanor, soothing voice, and signature phrases like “happy little trees,” Ross inspired millions to explore the joys of painting and embrace their creativity.
Born in 1942, Ross discovered his passion for art during his time in the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the military, he pursued a career in painting, eventually developing a unique, wet-on-wet oil painting technique that allowed for quick and expressive landscapes. This method became the cornerstone of “The Joy of Painting,” which aired from 1983 to 1994 and continues to attract fans worldwide through reruns and online platforms.
Ross’s impact extends beyond his artistic talents. His show democratized art, making it accessible to people of all skill levels and backgrounds. He also founded Bob Ross Inc., a company that continues to promote his painting techniques and philosophy.
In recognition of his significant contributions to public broadcasting and the arts, Bob Ross is being posthumously inducted into the 2024 Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates his enduring legacy and the profound influence he has had on generations of aspiring artists. Ross’s ability to bring joy and tranquility through art remains unmatched, securing his place as a cultural icon.
About Harvey Stauffer
Harvey “Ole Harv” Stauffer, the long-time host of The Blues Revue on 88.1 WVPE-FM in Elkhart, is being inducted into the 2024 Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. Hall of Fame. With a career spanning over three decades, Ole Harv is a beloved figure in the world of blues music broadcasting. His deep passion for the genre and encyclopedic knowledge of blues history have made The Blues Revue a weekly staple for listeners seeking authentic and soulful music in northern Indiana and southern Michigan.
Stauffer’s dedication to the blues is evident in his masterly curated playlists, weaving together both legendary artists and emerging talents. His warm, engaging on-air presence and insightful commentary have not only entertained but also educated audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the blues. Beyond his work on WVPE, Ole Harv has been active in the local music scene, supporting live performances and events that celebrate blues culture.
Stauffer’s contributions to public radio and the blues community have earned him widespread recognition and respect. In 2004, he was officially recognized by Mayor Steve Luecke of South Bend for his dedication to the blues. In 2012 he was honored with the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” award. In 2024, Ole Harv was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. His induction into the IPBS Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on Indiana’s public broadcasting landscape and his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the blues. As he joins the ranks of esteemed Indiana public media contributors, Ole Harv’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers everywhere.
About George Walker
George Walker, the celebrated public radio host and classical music aficionado, was a pillar of WFIU-FM in Bloomington throughout his five-decade career beginning in 1966. With his deep knowledge and passion for classical music, Walker was a trusted voice in the community, enriching listeners’ lives with his insightful commentary and expertly crafted playlists. His commitment to the arts extends beyond the airwaves; Walker was an advocate for local musicians and a staunch supporter of arts education. Upon his retirement in 2022, he stood as the longest-serving daily music host on American radio.
Throughout his career at WFIU-FM, Walker’s dedication to high-quality broadcasting and his ability to connect with audiences earned him a loyal following. His contributions to public radio and the classical music scene have been recognized widely, culminating in his induction into the 2024 Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. Hall of Fame. This honor reflects his significant impact on the cultural landscape of Indiana and his unwavering commitment to promoting the arts in southern Indiana in particular.
Walker’s legacy is marked by his enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of classical music, his mentorship to aspiring broadcasters, and his role in fostering a vibrant cultural community. As he joins the esteemed ranks of the Hall of Fame, Walker’s influence on public broadcasting and the arts continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of music lovers and radio professionals alike.
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