Watch America’s Most Artistic Kid on The Joy of Painting
There are few places more iconic in the art world than the set of The Joy of Painting.
For generations, Bob Ross inspired millions of people to pick up a paintbrush, embrace happy little accidents, and discover that creativity belongs to everyone. More than 40 years after the series first aired, that legacy continues through The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins—and this time, America's Most Artistic Kid winner Pearse Harris got to be part of it.
After capturing the title of America's Most Artistic Kid, Pearse traveled to WDSC Studios in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she joined Certified Bob Ross Painting Instructor Nicholas Hankins to film an episode of the nationally distributed public television series. The episode will premiere as part of Season 4 in July 2027.
For a young artist, it doesn't get much bigger than that.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
The episode was filmed exactly the way Bob Ross made the show famous—26 minutes from start to finish, with no pauses, no edits, and no second takes.
Working alongside Hankins, Pearse guided viewers through classic wet-on-wet painting techniques while adding her own creativity to the canvas. It's the same format that has introduced generations of artists to painting and continues to inspire new ones today.
The opportunity was one of the grand prizes awarded through America's Most Artistic Kid, a nationwide competition presented by Colossal that celebrates young artists while raising funds to support Blood Cancer United, which was granted to the charity through Colossal’s grant-making partner, DTCare.
More Than a Competition
America's Most Artistic Kid isn't simply about choosing a winner. It's about encouraging creativity, building confidence, and giving young artists opportunities they may never have imagined.
This year's competition raised more than $1.6 million to support Blood Cancer United, helping fund the organization's mission while giving thousands of young artists a platform to share their work with family, friends, and supporters across the country.
For Pearse, that journey led directly to one of public television's most beloved art programs.
Carrying Forward a Creative Legacy
Bob Ross made art feel approachable. His calm teaching style reminded viewers that creativity isn't about perfection—it's about enjoying the process.
Nicholas Hankins continues that tradition today, bringing new generations of artists into the studio while honoring the techniques and philosophy that made The Joy of Painting a cultural phenomenon.
Having Pearse join him represents exactly what the series has always stood for: encouraging creativity, inspiring confidence, and showing that artists of every age have something worth sharing.
What's Next?
Pearse's episode of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins will air as part of Season 4, premiering on public television stations nationwide in July 2027.
It's a fitting next chapter for a young artist whose creativity captured the attention of supporters across the country—and a reminder that sometimes a single competition can open the door to extraordinary opportunities.
Congratulations again to Pearse, Nicholas Hankins, WDSC, and everyone who helped make this unforgettable experience possible.
To learn more about the competition, visit artistickid.org.
