Iconic Smokey Bear artwork to be displayed at UWSP at Wausau

Iconic Smokey Bear artwork will be on display at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Wausau on Saturday, Sept. 7. The traveling exhibition, celebrating Smokey Bear's 80th birthday, will take place at the UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave, Wausau, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

We are pleased to be hosting this limited exhibit Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection," said Miranda Gentry-Siegel, interim director of campus operation at UWSP at Wausau. "While you're enjoying Wausau's Artrageous Weekend, save some time on your schedule to visit this Smokey art exhibit on Sept. 7."

The exhibit is free to the public and open to all ages. Kids can enjoy coloring a card for Smokey's 80th birthday. Each child will receive a birthday gift bag to honor Smokey's birthday and his timeless message of "Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires."

19 reproductions of original Smokey Bear paintings from the USDA's National Agricultural Library in Washington D.C., created by artist Rudy Wendelin, will be featured in the exhibit. The paintings were completed from 1977 through 1995 and remain the most famous depictions of Smokey Bear as part of the National Wildfire Prevention Campaign administered by the USDA Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. These portraits are out on a national road show that has included stops at Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Site, Grey Towers National Historic Site, Smokey Bear Historical Park and more.

Wendelin created hundreds of Smokey Bear representations during his career with the Forest Service and, under his direction, Smokey assumed the human-like characteristics for which he is best known - wearing a solemn expression, dressed in a forest ranger's hat and jeans, and carrying a shovel.

Smokey Bear has educated the public on preventing unwanted human-caused wildfires since 1944. Smokey is at the heart of the longest-running public service campaign in American history and with 9 out of 10 wildfires being caused by humans, his message has never been more important.