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.
Community Impact and Environmental Stewardship
Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, expressed pride in bringing this exhibition to the region. “This particular exhibition takes on deeper meaning for our area following the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene,” Isley noted. “We hope regional residents as well as visitors from near and far are delighted by the whimsy and storytelling aspects of each troll.” He anticipates that the exhibition will yield economic, emotional, and environmental benefits for the community throughout the winter season.
Dambo himself shared his vision for the project, stating, “I want to take trash and turn it into something that will open people’s eyes and minds. We shouldn’t throw the world out—then we’ll have a world with no mountains, no woods.” His commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in his work, which aims to inspire a connection between people and nature.
Tom Zaller, president and CEO of Imagine, which is producing the exhibition in collaboration with Dambo and the Arboretum, expressed excitement about the project. “Imagine is delighted to partner with Thomas Dambo to bring his imaginative vision of Trolls: A Field Study to life,” Zaller said. He highlighted that the exhibition aligns with Imagine’s mission to create unforgettable moments that entertain, educate, and inspire.
The exhibition will also feature educational programs and local artist showcases to enhance visitors’ experiences. As anticipation builds for the arrival of these whimsical sculptures, the Arboretum plans to reveal more details about the trolls in the coming months.
Trolls: A Field Study opens at The North Carolina Arboretum on November 15 and runs through February 17. The twelve trolls will be visible in both the formal gardens and along the trails, while six will be featured at Winter Lights from November 15 through January 4.