News Summary
The North Carolina Arboretum will host the U.S. debut of the art exhibition “Trolls: A Field Study” created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, featuring twelve giant troll sculptures made from reclaimed materials. The exhibition opens November 15 and runs through February, integrating art with environmental education. This innovative event aims to enhance community engagement and promote sustainability following the recent impact of Hurricane Helene.
Asheville – An exciting new art exhibition, “Trolls: A Field Study,” is set to premiere at The North Carolina Arboretum on November 15, 2025. This event will mark the first U.S. exhibition of its kind and will run through February 17, 2026, showcasing twelve interactive troll sculptures created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Each of the giant trolls, made from reclaimed materials such as fallen branches and wooden pallets, stands between seven and nine feet tall. They will be strategically positioned throughout the Arboretum’s formal gardens and trails, allowing visitors to explore the landscape while engaging with the unique sculptures. Six of the trolls will be featured as part of the Arboretum’s Winter Lights show, which runs from November 15 to January 4.
To enhance the visitor experience, a “treasure map” will be provided to guide guests through the exhibition, facilitating interaction with each piece. The trolls, affectionately referred to as “Baby Trolls” by Dambo, each have distinct personalities, including their leader named Taks. This innovative approach aims to educate visitors about environmental stewardship while showcasing the beauty of recycled art.
The Executive Director of The North Carolina Arboretum expressed enthusiasm for hosting this unique exhibition, recognizing its thematic relevance in light of the environmental damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The use of reclaimed materials not only highlights creativity but also raises awareness about sustainability and the importance of reusing resources in art.
Officials from Explore Asheville have underscored the significance of the exhibition following the hurricane’s impact. Their objective is for the event to foster economic growth while also providing emotional healing and environmental education to the community. This aligns with Dambo’s vision of transforming waste materials into art, promoting a deeper connection with nature among visitors.
Tom Zaller, the President and CEO of Imagine, the producer behind the exhibition, noted that their collaboration with The North Carolina Arboretum is in line with their mission to provide inspiring experiences to the public. In addition to the sculptures, the exhibition will feature various educational programs and local artist showcases, further enriching the experience for attendees.
As the exhibition date approaches, more detailed information regarding the trolls and accompanying events will be made available by the Arboretum. “Trolls: A Field Study” promises a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with art, history, and environmental stewardship in a captivating setting.
For those interested in attending and learning more about the exhibition, further details can be found on The North Carolina Arboretum’s official website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Hosts Successful Conclusion of The Big Crafty Art and Craft Fair
North Carolina Arboretum Unveils Giant Troll Sculptures
North Carolina Arboretum to Host Interactive Troll Exhibit
Asheville’s Arts and Culture Scene Resiliently Rebounds After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
Explore the Unique Museums of Asheville
Summer Festivals Revitalize Community Spirit in North Carolina
Asheville Amadeus Festival Celebrates Storytelling Through Arts
Trackside Studios Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Resilience Showcase
13th Annual Face Jug Show Set to Open in Asheville
Asheville Community Comes Together After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- TribPapers: Trolls to Enchant Asheville This Winter
- Wikipedia: Art Exhibition
- Mountain X: Green Roundup – Trolls to Emerge in Asheville
- Google Search: Trolls A Field Study Asheville
- WLOS: North Carolina Arboretum to Host Interactive Troll Exhibit
- Britannica: Environmental Art
- Smoky Mountain News: North Carolina Arboretum Unveils New Trolls Exhibit
- AVL Today: RAD’s Soft Opening Nov 9
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
