10/08/2026
Today, the Wabash Chapter gathered at Happy Painter Studios for “Happy Little Trees: The Art and Legacy of Veteran Bob Ross,” presented by Brad Mullins.
Brad is the owner of Happy Painter Studios and a Certified Ross Instructor. His journey began after working as a coal miner and discovering Bob Ross on YouTube. What began as a personal interest grew into a passion. Brad traveled to Muncie, Indiana, completed the required training to become a Certified Ross Instructor, and began teaching from a small studio in his home. Today, Happy Painter Studios has grown into a welcoming creative space located in Carmi’s historic Arcade Building, where Brad continues to share the joy of painting with others.
Bob Ross was more than the gentle artist remembered for happy little trees. He was also a United States Air Force veteran who served for 20 years. Much of his service was spent at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, where the snow-covered mountains and natural beauty later became familiar subjects in his paintings. He attended his first painting class at a USO club in Anchorage and eventually retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant.
As a first sergeant, Ross had been responsible for enforcing discipline, giving orders, and raising his voice. He later explained that when he left the military, he decided he never wanted to yell again. That decision helped shape the calm, patient, and encouraging teacher the world came to know.
Bob Ross believed that artistic ability could be developed by anyone willing to practice:
“Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.”
His teaching reminded people that creativity does not require perfection. Mistakes could become “happy accidents,” imperfections could make a painting unique, and every person was capable of creating something meaningful.
We sincerely thank Brad Mullins for welcoming the Wabash Chapter to Happy Painter Studios and for sharing his knowledge, talent, and appreciation for the art and legacy of Bob Ross with us.
We would also like to thank Family Traditions Restaurant for delivering our lunch. Cindy is amazing, always goes above and beyond for our chapter, and we love and appreciate her so much!
