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 visitor centers this winter.

"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. 

Promotion and programming materials for the Smokey Bear exhibit are made available through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.

The paintings can be viewed at: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet starting Jan. 17. Viewing hours for Four Rivers, Isle a la Cache and Plum Creek are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. These visitor centers are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Viewing hours for Sugar Creek Administration Center are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 is the nation’s number one mascot and a true icon,” said Jessica Prince, facility supervisor at Plum Creek. “It is exciting we get to feature and celebrate him with this wonderful exhibit. Smokey’s message of preventing human caused wildfires is being promoted not only in the paintings but also in the great roster of Smokey-inspired programs scheduled by the Forest Preserve in January and February.”

Smokey Bear artist

The artwork was created by Rudolph “Rudy” Andreas Michael Wendelin who was born in 1910 in Kansas. He studied at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and at art schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. 

Wendelin began his career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1933 as a draftsman and illustrator in Milwaukee. He transferred to the Washington, D.C., office in 1937. After a stint as a Navy artist during World War II, Wendelin returned to the Forest Service and was given responsibility for the Smokey Bear project. 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

In addition to the exhibit, the Forest Preserve will host complementary programs and 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. 

The complementary programs are: 

Smokey Bear – Self-expression Studio: Visitor center hours, Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, March 2, Plum Creek Nature Center. Visit the exhibit and then create your own masterpiece in the studio from a line drawing. Complete it at the visitor center or at home. Return it 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 Smokey’s big day – the opening of “Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection.” There will be photo opportunities, the Smokey Bear Self-Express Studio and giveaways. Join Team Willy or Team Smokey to learn how to prevent wildfires. 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. Free, ages 16 or older. 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. Register by Feb. 25.

Smokey Bear images are used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service.