South County, Rhode Island, Welcomes Very Own Trolls

Trolls seem to be taking the country by storm with massive troll sculptures turning up from coast to coast. These quirky art installations are the brainchild of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, a recycle artist who uses repurposed materials to make his creations. Set among natural landscapes in playful poses, Dambo’s trolls blend nature with art and imagination while proving trash doesn’t have to pollute our world, it can be used to make fun and beautiful creations that make our world a better place.

The Dambo trolls are global sensations with a variety of creatures crafted from recycled objects in 20 different countries spanning five continents. Of the 125 trolls Dambo has created thus far, 44 are located in the United States, creating unique tourist attractions in states like Minnesota, Kentucky, Washington and Texas.

© South County Tourism Council

His latest creations have arrived in South County, Rhode Island, where two new trolls debuted on May 3 in Ninigret Park. This permanent home is in the city of Charlestown, found in the South County region of the state. Rhode Island is hoping to add more trolls in the near future, creating a “troll trail” that will allow visitors to explore different parts of the state while they visit Dambo’s trolls.

“My mission is Waste No More,” said Dambo. “Our world is drowning in trash, while we are running out of natural resources. I spend my life showing the world that beautiful things can be made out of trash. I give new life to discarded materials by turning them into large-scale artworks.”

By giving discarded materials new life, Dambo is not only creating fun and interesting works of art, but he is also giving us all a lesson in sustainability. While his sculptures give kids a chance to experience whimsy and creativity in the world around them, it also teaches them to be more mindful of the disposable items we use every day, thus encouraging them to be responsible caretakers of our environment for future generations.

© South County Tourism Council

While visiting South County, officially known as Washington County, families can enjoy much more than the Ninigret Park trolls. The area is home to charming villages where you can shop or sample some of the state’s most delicious culinary offerings. During the summer, the beaches are the place to be. In fall, visitors flock to the region to attend Atlantis Rising, the annual sand castle festival.

The Dambo trolls are the perfect addition to this wonderful part of Rhode Island where nature and fun are part of life. As families discover these creative new sculptures, they are sure to become a must-see for anyone visiting the state.