Pulled from the Piney Woods, perfectly preserved specimen on view in the Winner Gallery

For seven generations, whisperings of its whereabouts have haunted and taunted man, woman and babe alike. Evidence of its skulking — footprints (serpentine talons? giant paws?) have marked the forest floor. Accounts of sightings scribed in obscure texts made note of indubitable signs: branches broken by no storm or common critter, strange bellows heard in the nights.

Deep below the soft ground of the old Piney Woods, buried beneath the foundation of Mary Hackley’s old homestead, tucked between the remnants of lost sculptures, hidden near Dorothy Riester’s favorite raspberry bushes, a creature has been unearthed, an unnameable curiosity shrouded in many cloaks of mystery, uncovered after 115 years.

There are believers among us, but, lo, fair inquisitors of the spectacular: will this discovery bring answers or more uncertainties?  Is it friend or foe? Myth or unfathomable truth?

BEHOLD: The original Stone Quarry Hill Vraag!

10 feet long, 9 feet high, 250 pounds.

Pulled from the grounds of Stone Quarry Hill Art Park.

Completely preserved.

“The most valuable single exhibit in the world today.”

Sept. 8 through 30.

See it before it’s gone. 25 cents to view.

Capture its image before the curtain drops. 50 cents per photograph.

Opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8.