Mrs. Skipper Troll is in EP

“Absolutely fantastic time cutting the ribbon on East Providence’s very own Thomas Dambo troll. Thank you to all involved in making this a reality.  I’m excited for our community to be part of this worldwide troll phenomenon. Mrs Skipper is putting East Providence on the troll map and welcoming visitors from across the world. Which one of our great restaurants is going to be the first to offer a special troll dish to capitalize on visitors to our beautiful city?” said an excited East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva.

DaSilva was not talking about the kind of trolls seen on social media.  The kind that complain about everything and make countless comments, constructive or otherwise, on all matters of society’s ills.  Rather, a Thomas Dambo East Providence Troll is now a reality. 

Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist and musician with a master’s degree in design from the Kolding Design School, has carved a unique niche for himself in the art world as a pioneer of recycled art.  Born in Odense Denmark and currently based in Copenhagen, Dambo has been passionate about building and creating with wood since he was 5 years old. This childhood hobby of scavenging discarded wood for his projects has evolved into a lifelong mission of turning trash into treasure (Rooted Wanderings, Tiffany Betts).  Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, and is internationally known for his art installations, most notably his giant troll sculptures. From a young age, his parents instilled the value of recycling and sustainability. His clever mind saw the opportunity to use free recycled materials to build tree houses, games, and artistic creations right from his imagination.

Dambo’s work is a fusion of art and activism, aiming to inspire exploration, adventure in nature, and a new perspective on the potential of discarded materials. Each sculpture is not just an art piece but also a storyteller, inviting people to explore the depths of woodlands and see the natural world through a whimsically different lens (Rooted Wanderings).

Dambo creates the Troll sculptures with help of many and will include volunteers.  In a social media post, Dambo wrote; “It is crazy to think that what started 10 years ago with me dumpster diving on a Christiania bike in Copenhagen has now become a worldwide phenomenon and to have my trolls recognized on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places. It makes me super proud and really highlights the true potential of the things we throw away. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

Noted East Providence artist Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon was one of the major contributors to this project.  “We joined this project on August 9th, and due to volunteer availability, Nathan and I spent over 40 hours on this Thomas Dambo troll - Mrs Skipper,” said Gillooly Cahoon. “It was hard, dirty work, but such a blast. I made new friends, had plenty of laughs, and my back never went out,” the artist laughed.  Those looking to visit can go right next to the pier off of the bike path near the Squantum Club.  “You can access her by taking the bike path and parking behind University Orthopedics, Inc. and park in the bike path lot,” recommends Gillooly Cahoon.  “Take a left onto the bike path and a right onto the road to the troll where the pier is.”  You can get a fantastic view from the pier, or by kayak or boat.