Bob Ross impersonator leads students in virtual paint-along event

Is Bob Ross back from the grave? Or is an impersonator giving out free lessons to aspiring artists? Whatever the case, students were able to paint “happy little trees” with a paint-along event. 

NIC’s Student Events Board held a virtual Bob Ross event at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening. Students were able to pick up pain kits prior to the event throughout the week and could tune into the event with the provided materials to paint a view from Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene. 

Victoria Michael, dressed as Bob Ross, examines the art the students hold up on Zoom. Michael said she encouraged students to do their own artistic vision outside of her instruction. 

Victoria Michael, a marketing and events coordinator at NIC, led the one-hour virtual event, dressed up as a Bob Ross impersonator. Michael did step-by-step instructions as students followed along with her brush strokes. 

Students picked up their art kits in the ASNIC offices in the Student Union Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment, during the week prior to the event. Supplies were limited, as there were only 40 painting kits available. 

The contents of the art kits. Students were also asked to provide their own cup of water, wash rags or paper towels.

The kits included a canvas, an easel, a plastic knife, a package of AROIC brushes and a palette with pre-poured paint. 

Students can post a picture of their painting on Instagram and tag @northidahocollegeasnic before Sunday, October 25 for a chance to win a prize from the Student Event Board.

“I want everyone here to realize that the most important part of painting is that anyone can do it,” said Michael. “Anyone can be creative. Nobody can tell you what to draw or how to draw it except yourself.”