Color Photograph Signed / Unsigned Color Poster

This Virginia artist joined the U.S. Forest Service in the early 1930s and helped launch the "Smokey the Bear" campaign in the late '30s -- now the longest running public service campaign in history; he portrayed Smokey in literally hundreds of promotional pieces that encouraged conservation of natural resources and fire prevention. Color PS, heavy stock glossy 6" X 4", n.p., n.y. Fine. Full color postcard reproduction of Wendelin's 1989 painting "Dear Smokey..." depicting the beloved bear leaning against a shovel alongside his mailbox reading a child's letter as two cubs clamber atop the mailbox, a wooded setting featuring lake, campers and ranger's cabin in the background. Wendelin signs boldly in black fineline in a lighter area at lower left. This signed image has been affixed via acid-free clear photo corners to the upper left of an 18" X 24" unsigned color poster celebrating the 50th anniversary of Smokey the Bear and published by the "Friends of Smokey" in Capitan, New Mexico in 1994. Large printed image of a Wendelin rendering of a seated Smokey as a cub leaning against a charred tree trunk and plopping a Forest Ranger's hat atop his head, one paw and one foot swathed in white bandages. Very good. Original single horizontal and vertical mailing folds; a number of small expert archival mends on verso. An appealing pair.