Next time you find yourself in the Atlanta airport, keep an eye out for a familiar bear. A Smokey Bear art exhibit has recently opened in the domestic terminal atrium of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. The exhibit—a partnership between the Forest Service and the airport— features classic art prints created by the late Rudy Wendelin, the best-known Smokey Bear artist, who is also credited with creating the modern-day likeness of this cultural icon.  

The exhibit, which opened during fire prevention week (Oct. 5-11, 2025), showcases Smokey’s wildfire prevention messaging by highlighting Wendelin’s art, vintage Smokey artifacts and Smokey’s tips for fire prevention. During the opening week of the exhibit, representatives for the partnership that created the exhibit talked with visitors and travelers about Wendelin, Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention.  

“Smokey’s message remains as important today as ever, considering most wildfires are caused by people,” said Southern Region Fire and Aviation Management Director Shardul Raval. “Since Smokey’s creation, the importance of wildfire prevention has been taught to generations, and we hope that through Wendelin’s art, we can continue providing that education to travelers and visitors to the Atlanta airport.”    

For more than 80 years, Smokey Bear has taught generations of Americans about the importance of wildfire prevention. Smokey's powerful message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” is at the heart of the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.  

Though the leading causes of wildfires have evolved over time, from cigarettes and matches to campfires and vehicles, Smokey’s message remains relevant. In the South, 96% of all wildfires are caused by people, with some of the top causes being debris or yard burning, escaped campfires and vehicle or roadside fires.  

Wendelin worked for the Forest Service in 1933 as an illustrator and draftsman. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to the Forest Service and became the primary artist for Smokey Bear. Wendelin passed away in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of prevention and conservation.    

The exhibit will be featured in the airport’s domestic terminal atrium until Sept. 30, 2026.