Jay Beasse, a Unity resident, was visiting his property in Adanac as he has done many times. Only this time he was about to be part of a quest.
He was unaware he would be part of a Saskatchewan adventure as he headed to Adanac. Once there, he noticed something on the front step of his property. It wasn't wildlife, refuse or a treasure chest but a tiny, exact, square stone with the word "Adanac" engraved on it. Upon closer inspection, Jay revealed a description of the stone and its purpose. He is now discovering he is part of a wonderful project to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Saskatchewan Legislative building.
This history of this project is as follows:
"Once, the prairies drowned beneath an inland sea; Tyndall stone is what remained after the waters receded and the glaciers passed. Strength was born out of time, and these pieces of ancient history became the sturdy foundations of Saskatchewan's future when the Legislative building was constructed of Tyndall stone 100 years ago."
"HiddenTyndall is a public art project by artist Terri Fidelak in honour of the centennial anniversary of the Saskatchewan Legislative building. In 2012, Terri will place 100 cubes of Tyndall stone throughout the province's landscape in hopes that they will be serendipitously discovered. Those who come across the cubes will find a message upon the stone, inviting them to participate by returning the Tyndall to the Legislative building in Regina. There the pieces will become part of a permanent installation celebrating the co-operative spirit of the people of Saskatchewan."
By logging on the website, hiddentyndall.com, you can read all about this adventure and view the stones that have been found so far.
The creator encourages these steps once you have discovered one of the 100 stones placed around the province: 1) this project is all about community, so share your discovery with family and friends; 2) feel free to email Terri, with any questions or comments you may have. Just click on the contact link which appears when you hover over ABOUT THE ARTIST on the website.
The third step is to, when you next make a trip to Regina, please bring the stone to the Saskatchewan Legislative building. If you are unable to travel to Regina yourself, please send the stone along with someone in your community who is headed this way. Speak to the friendly person at the front desk, and he or she will make sure your stone lands where it's meant to.
And finally, while at the Legislative building; take a tour to appreciate the fine detail, the architecture and the history. Or just wander around the exterior and see how many fossils you can spot in the Tyndall stone.
Artist Terri Fidelak was most appreciative of "Big" Joe Semenuik for his invaluable help in cutting the large slabs of Tyndall stone into perfect little cubes.
This really is a unique project with a host of possibilities laden with adventuresome qualities. Beasse says, "anyone could have found this, I just happened to be that anyone. Now I am part of the adventure and the project it entails." Jay has begun his step one process after discovering the stone by sharing it at coffee time at the Armada one morning.
You never know, the next place you visit could have one of these treasures placed for you to find. And if you want to be part of this adventure, log on to www.hiddentyndall.com and scroll through the daily diary and the photos of this amazing Saskatchewan adventure created to honour our Saskatchewan Legislative building's centennial.
