Asheville – An extraordinary outdoor art exhibition featuring whimsical troll sculptures will debut at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, marking its U.S. premiere on November 15, 2025. Titled “Trolls: A Field Study,” the exhibition will run until February 17, 2026, showcasing twelve interactive trolls crafted from reclaimed materials.
Artistic Exploration in Nature
The trolls, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, will be strategically placed throughout the Arboretum’s formal gardens and trails. Six of these charming figures will also participate in the Arboretum’s Winter Lights show from November 15 to January 4, allowing visitors to experience them amidst a dazzling display of lights. “We are beyond thrilled to host Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study with our partners at Explore Asheville this winter,” said Drake Fowler, Executive Director of the Arboretum. He emphasized that the gardens and trails provide an ideal backdrop for the trolls’ curious nature, adding, “Thomas Dambo’s use of reclaimed wood resonates deeply, especially considering the changes to our landscape after Hurricane Helene.”
The trolls, affectionately referred to as “Baby Trolls” by Dambo, stand between seven and nine feet tall and are made from materials such as fallen branches and wooden pallets. Each troll possesses a unique personality, including their fearless leader, Taks. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the trolls using a “treasure map” that guides them through the Arboretum to meet these enchanting figures face-to-face…