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Nineteen paintings depicting Smokey Bear, the immensely popular symbol of the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire prevention campaign, will be on display at four Forest Preserve District of Will County visitor centers.
“Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection” exhibit will run from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, March 2. The artworks are reproductions of original Smokey Bear paintings that were created from 1977 to 1995.
The paintings can be viewed at the Forest Preserve’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. At Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. viewing hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on two Saturdays, Jan. 18 and March 2.
Each site will have a portion of the 19 paintings on display. Visitors can take photos and videos, but should not touch the art.
Smokey Bear artist
The artwork was created by Rudolph “Rudy” Andreas Michael Wendelin who began his career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1933. He created hundreds of Smokey representations that highlighted natural resources conservation and forest fire prevention.
Under Wendelin’s direction, Smokey assumed the human-like characteristics by which he is best known – wearing a solemn expression, dressed in a forest ranger’s hat and jeans, and carrying a shovel.
As Smokey became the immensely popular symbol of the Forest Service’s wildfire prevention campaign, Wendelin was recognized for his important contributions with many awards. He continued his association with Smokey Bear after retiring from the Forest Service in 1973, producing numerous calendar and book illustrations. He died in 2000 at the age of 90.
Complementary programs
The Forest Preserve is offering a Smokey challenge that asks visitors to check out all five visitor centers where the paintings are displayed for a chance to win a Smokey-themed prize basket. Complementary programs being offered in conjunction with the exhibit are:
Smokey Bear – Self-expression Studio: Visitor center hours, Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, March 2, Plum Creek Nature Center. Create your own masterpiece for a small prize and to be included in the community showcase. Winners will be chosen for larger, Smokey Bear-themed prizes in three categories: ages 1-5, 6-12 and 13-18. Free, ages 1-18.
Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck Meet and Greet: noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Plum Creek Nature Center. Mascots Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck will be at Plum Creek Nature Center to celebrate the exhibit’s opening. There will be photo opportunities, the Smokey Bear Self-Express Studio and giveaways. Free, ages 3-12.
WonderKids – Smokey Bear: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, Isle a la Cache Museum. This preschooler program will feature Smokey Bear-themed facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts. Free, ages 2-5. Register by Feb. 4.
Smokey Bear – Trivia Night at the Museum: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, Isle a la Cache Museum. Do plants need fire? When did Smokey join the U.S. Forest Service? Join a naturalist for some trivia and put your nature history knowledge to the test. Play solo or as a team. Light snacks will be provided. Free, ages 16 or older. Register by Feb. 25.
Smokey Bear images are used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service. Promotion and programming materials for the Smokey Bear exhibit are made available through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.