North Florida Land Trust is launching a community fundraising campaign to bring a pair of troll sculptures by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo to an NFLT preserve. Known worldwide for creating monumental trolls from recycled materials, Dambo has agreed to design and build the sculptures for the nonprofit. NFLT is now asking donors to help fund the sculptures and the installation. Sondie and John Frus are launching the campaign with a $25,000 matching commitment.
“Thomas Dambo’s work creates a powerful connection between art and nature, and many of our staff and supporters are longtime fans,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “We took a chance and contacted Dambo and his team about bringing his trolls here, and we are honored that he said yes. Part of the fun is he keeps the exact location secret, inviting visitors to discover the hidden trolls by hiking through natural lands. It will give guests a memorable way to explore one of our preserves and spend time in a piece of Florida that we have been fortunate to protect.”
Created from recycled materials and reclaimed wood, Dambo’s sculpture for NFLT will stand more than 11 feet tall. NFLT will announce the preserve where it will be installed at a later date, but the sculpture’s exact location within the preserve will remain undisclosed. The trolls are expected to remain at the preserve for approximately 10 years.
Contributions to help bring the trolls to an NFLT preserve can be made online. Donors can also send a check to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or contact Dr. Lee Louy, Director of Philanthropic Services, at (904) 945-4533 to make a donation over the phone.
Dambo has been a lifelong advocate for upcycling and public engagement. His projects merge the boundaries of art, adventure, and activism. In 2014, he began creating monumental wooden trolls from recycled materials, accompanied by narratives that blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation. Dambo trolls have been found in more than 20 countries and on five continents, including the USA, China, Brazil, Australia, the UK, Germany, France, South Korea, Chile, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit thomasdambo.com.
About North Florida Land Trust
North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land and conservation easements as well as facilitating government acquisition of important projects. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations.
