The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Hall was teeming with anticipation on Sunday as attendees patiently awaited the appearance of Thomas Dambo for his “Troll Talk.”
Dambo is an internationally recognized Danish sculpture artist best known for his series of trolls made from upcycled wood and materials. Five of his sculptures are scattered around the greater Seattle area, including “Pia the Peacekeeper” on Bainbridge Island.
Poulsbo Mayor Ed Stern and community member Todd Tidball provided opening remarks at the event’s start around 2:30 p.m. Shortly after, Dambo took to the podium, joined by his wife Alexa.
The discussion took on a casual feel, as Dambo joked about “winging it.”
He told listeners of his early inspirations as a child growing up in Denmark, where he experimented with creating skateboard ramps and treehouses from the trash around his neighborhood, and shared about his 2023 road trip across the US, which culminated in the installation of the five Seattle area trolls.
As a lifelong advocate for sustainability, recycling, and upcycling, Dambo was asked about his unusual choice of medium while taking audience questions.
“Trash has the power to suffocate our world, and also the value to build a new world from it. I think there’s something beautiful in that things don’t last forever.”
The event attracted attendees from as far away as Longview, and both new and long-standing fans of Dambo’s work. During the Q&A portion, Dambo asked the crowd how many of his trolls they’d seen, and answers ranged from none to one couple who’d seen over 100.
The event was free to attend and put on by the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest and Friends of the Poulsbo Troll, held in the hopes of raising funds to support the installation and maintenance of a future Dambo troll in Poulsbo.
To learn more about these efforts, go here.