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The closest thing to Smokey Bear coming to life is happening this summer in New Jersey.
A special collection of original work by Rudy Wendelin, the artist who brought Smokey Bear to life on canvas and in posters, is touring the state in a traveling exhibit organized by the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service.
On today's "Brian's Positively New Jersey,” Brian Donohue visits the exhibit at Wharton State Forest, a place profoundly affected by wildfires over the past two years.
Wendelin, who died in 2000, began his career with the United States Forest Service in 1933. In 1944, he was given the responsibility of bringing the newly created wildfire prevention symbol Smokey Bear to life through his artwork.
The exhibit of 19 of his prints is on display for the rest of the summer at the following locations:
July 10-17: Batsto Village Historic Site Visitor Center, Wharton State Forest, Burlington County, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends
July 19-23: Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center, Monmouth County, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 25-Aug. 1: Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, Liberty State Park, Hudson County, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 7-11: New Jersey State House, Trenton, Mercer County, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
