A replica of the Rudy Wendelin painting from 1979, “Smokey’s Fan Mail,” is one of the paintings on display at the Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center in Watersmeet.

IRONWOOD — The U.S. Forest Service Ottawa National Forest is excited to be among just 14 national forests and grasslands in the nation to host 19 historical paintings by Rudolph “Rudy” Wendelin that feature Smokey Bear.

These portraits will be on display through Oct. 25 during regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the visitor center. There will be extended viewing hours until 7 p.m. today and Oct. 24.

The center is at E23979 U.S. 2 in Watersmeet.

On loan from the USDA National Agricultural Library, these replica paintings were completed from 1977 through 1995 and remain some of the most famous depictions of Smokey Bear. Wendelin worked for the Forest Service as an illustrator beginning in 1933 and was the mastermind behind Smokey’s human-like appearance, characterized by his signature ranger hat and blue jeans.

Thanks in large part to Wendelin’s artistic talents, Smokey’s message “Only YOU can prevent wildfires” has proven memorable and relevant across generations.

This is the 12th stop on the national painting tour, which is part of Smokey Bear’s yearlong 80th birthday celebration.

The public is invited to see these paintings, and enjoy a fall walk along the interpretive nature trail following the true story of Smokey Bear storybook activity.

For more information on the exhibit, call the visitor center at 906-358-4724.

Some of the collection can be viewed online through the National Agricultural Library webpage — https://www.nal.usda.gov/ — by searching Rudy Wendelin Gallery.