The Superior National Forest is excited to be just one of 14 national forests and grasslands in the Nation to host 19 historical paintings by Rudolph (Rudy) Wendelin of Smokey Bear beginning this week from March 19-25. The painting tour is part of Smokey Bear’s 2024 birthday celebration event. The Special Art Shows will include Forest Service staff, art presentations, and special appearances by Smokey Bear with commemorative memorabilia. The following Forest office locations and dates will have the paintings displayed.

Supervisor’s Office: 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808, (218) 626-4300. The artwork will be on display here from March 19-21, 2024.

• The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for viewing.
• A special art show on Wednesday, March 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.

Gunflint District Office: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, (218) 387-1750. The collection will be on display here from March 22-25 during normal business hours.

• The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for viewing.
• A special art show on Friday, March 22 from 4:00 -6:00 p.m. (March 20 editor's update: The initial release had Saturday, the 22nd as the date of the special art show. Boreal Community Medic contacted the District Office and can confirm the date is *Friday* March 22 from 4:00-6:00 pm.)

Kawishiwi District Office: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, (218) 365-7600. The final stop of the collection on the Superior will be at the Kawishiwi District Office from March 26-29.

• Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for viewing.
• A special art show will also showcase the collection on Thursday, March 28, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

On loan from the USDA National Agricultural Library, these replica paintings were completed from 1977 through 1995 and remain the most famous depictions of Smokey Bear. Painter Rudy Wendelin worked for the Forest Service as an illustrator beginning in 1933 and was the mastermind behind Smokey’s human-like appearance in his signature ranger hat and blue jeans. Thanks to Wendelin’s art, Smokey’s message “Only YOU can prevent wildfires” has prevailed through the generations. Bring the whole family to see these historical paintings and possibly Smokey Bear in person!

For larger tours, please contact the corresponding office to arrange. In the event that the collection delivery is delayed, adjusted details on art viewing will be sent out.

The public can do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and take Smokey’s message #onlyyou personally this year. Smokey Bear turns 80 this August, and the Forest Service is keen on celebrating this milestone to increase fire prevention awareness across the country. More at www.smokeybear.com.