January 10, 2025
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These Will County nature sites to display Smokey Bear artworks

By Shaw Local News Network
Artist Rudolph “Rudy” Andreas Michael Wendelin works on a Smokey Bear painting in his studio. Nineteen of his paintings will be on display during an exhibit at five Will County nature sites from Jan. 17-March 2, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Wendelin. Smokey Bear images are used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service.)

Artist Rudolph “Rudy” Andreas Michael Wendelin works on a Smokey Bear painting in his studio. Nineteen of his paintings will be on display during an exhibit at five Will County nature sites from Jan. 17-March 2, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Wendelin. Smokey Bear images are used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service.) (Photo provided by Forest Preserve District of Will County with permission of the USDA Forest Service)

Nineteen paintings depicting Smokey Bear, the popular symbol of the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire prevention campaign, will be on display at five Will County nature sites from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, March 2, as part of an exhibit called “Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection.” The artworks are reproductions of original Smokey Bear paintings from 1977 to 1995.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie have collaborated to bring the reproductions to Will County. The paintings can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, the Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and the Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, as well as from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and Saturday, March 2, at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.

Each site will have a portion of the 19 paintings on display. Visitors can take photos and videos but should not touch the art.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering a Smokey Challenge that asks visitors to check out all five visitor centers for a chance to win a Smokey-themed prize basket. Complementary programs offered in conjunction with the exhibit include:

Smokey Bear Self-Expression Studio – Friday, Jan 17, through Sunday, March 2, at Plum Creek Nature Center: Create your own masterpiece for a small price to be included in the community showcase. Winners will be chosen for larger prizes in three age groups: ages 1 to 5, 6 to 12 and 13 to 18.

Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck Meet-and-Greet – Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Plum Creek Nature Center: Smokey Bear and Willy Woodchuck will be at Plum Creek to celebrate the exhibit’s opening. There will be photo opportunities and giveaways at this free event.

WonderKids Smokey Bear – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Isle a la Cache Museum: This program for preschoolers will feature Smokey Bear-themed facts, songs, story time, table activities and crafts. This free event is intended for kids ages 2 to 4. Register by Feb. 4.

Smokey Bear Trivia Night at the Museum – 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at 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. This free event is intended for ages 16 and older. Register by Feb. 25.

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