Almost 25 years after his death, painter and PBS star Bob Ross may very well be more popular than ever. Tapping into that popularity is Fort Wayne’s PBS station WFWA, using it to launch a fundraising event. 

“Ross a Rama” will take place at Indiana Tech on Sunday, March 15, with a certified Bob Ross instructor on hand to help people master the finer points of Ross’s technique. 

“Ross Jr.” guest instructors will help the younger generation paint happy trees and squirrels with acrylic paints.

There will be two sessions — 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. — and registration is $35 for PBS members, $50 for non-members, and $20 for children. 

Civic Theatre announced season

The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre has announced its 2020-21 season which promises to be another great one with plenty for theater fans of all kinds. 

While many arts organizations don’t launch their new seasons until September or later, the Civic has long opened its season with a summer production which leans toward the family friendly. 

This year, the popular musical comedy Legally Blonde will take the Arts United Center stage July 25-August 9 followed Sept. 12-27 by an all-female staging of the historical musical 1776

The family fun continues Nov. 7-22 with Annie, a show that entertains all ages with some of musical theater’s most popular songs. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard kicks off 2021, running Feb. 13-28, with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, one of the most popular plays in history, running March 12-21. 

The season winds up with the oldie but goodie, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, on May 8-23.

Eisbarts receive honor

The Civic Theatre also recently announced a new award “created to recognize those whose who have given of their time, talents, and treasures in support of the Civic Theatre’s mission and vision.” 

The first recipients are Ben and Sharon Eisbart, tireless advocates and volunteers for the Civic Theatre for more than 25 years. 

In honor of their enormous efforts on behalf of the Civic, the award will also bear their names as it is awarded each year for now on.