Coming October 2025
This fall, Dix Park will welcome five larger-than-life visitors unlike anything Raleigh has ever seen. Crafted from reclaimed wood and natural materials, these whimsical trolls are the work of internationally acclaimed Recycle Artist Thomas Dambo.
Raleigh’s trolls are part of a larger family of seven coming to North Carolina, with two more making their homes in High Point and Charlotte. Together, they form Thomas Dambo’s biggest U.S. installation to date.
His trolls have popped up in forests, meadows, and city parks across the world — more than 150 of them, from Denmark to Australia. Now, North Carolina joins the global map. Their exact hiding spots in Dix Park are a secret for now, waiting to be discovered. After all, trolls don’t like to be announced… they like to be found.
“This isn’t just about public art. It’s about inviting people to step into the story, to leave behind the digital world for a few hours and make something real with twigs, twine, and teamwork.”
Volunteer information
UPDATE: The response to our call for Troll build volunteers has been amazing! Every volunteer shift is now filled, and we aren’t able to add more or create a public waitlist. We’re so grateful for the excitement and support this project has inspired.
You can still be part of the fun: come to Thomas Dambo’s Artist Talk and Book Signing, follow along as the Trolls take shape on our social channels, and make plans to visit the finished sculptures this fall.
At Dix Park, the trolls won’t just appear overnight — they’ll be built with the help of our community. Volunteers will work alongside the artist team in October to sand, oil, and assemble materials, or lend a hand with hospitality support. No carpentry experience is needed, just a willingness to pitch in and be part of something magical.
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Volunteer registration opens first for Conservancy Members on Tuesday, September 2 at 12 PM.
Registration for the general public opens on Wednesday, September 17 at 12 PM.
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Sculpture Volunteers will help with tasks like sanding and organizing wood, while Hospitality Volunteers will keep the team fueled and the build site running smoothly.
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Volunteers must be 18 or older.
Each person may sign up for a maximum of two shifts to make sure as many people as possible get the chance to participate. Any additional shifts will be cancelled.
About Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo is an internationally acclaimed artist and environmental storyteller. Based on a farm in the Danish countryside, Thomas began his creative life building toys, costumes, and treehouses out of recycled materials—skills taught by his parents. He holds a degree in Interactive Design from Kolding Design School and is now one of the world’s leading voices in the upcycling movement. His stated mission is simple but profound: “Waste No More.” Through large-scale, whimsical trolls made entirely from repurposed materials, he shows the world that what’s discarded can still hold beauty, meaning, and magic.
