04/28/2026
The "Trolls" at Dix Park, Raleigh this past weekend!
The trolls in Raleigh's Dix Park are created by Thomas Dambo , an internationally acclaimed Danish recycle artist and environmental storyteller based near Copenhagen. Known for his "Waste No More" mission, Dambo builds massive, whimsical, and permanent troll sculptures from recycled materials, such as wood, pallets, and fallen branches. The Dix Park installation features a family of five trolls designed to encourage environmental stewardship and interaction with nature.
Thomas Dambo Biography & Work Background:
Born in 1979 in Odense, Denmark, Dambo started his career creating art, toys, and costumes from recycled materials. He holds a Master’s degree from the Kolding Design School.
The Mission: Dambo is considered the world's leading recycle artist, aimed at showing that "discarded materials can hold beauty and magic".
The "Trail of a Thousand Trolls": Beginning in 2014, he has installed over 170 trolls across 20 countries, often utilizing local volunteers for construction.
Dix Park Installation: The project in Raleigh (completed late 2025) is part of a larger North Carolina installation, featuring figures built from 7 tons of repurposed bourbon barrels and other materials.
Interactive Art: Dambo often accompanies his art with narratives, stories, and the "Troll Map" to encourage exploration.
