(Elk Horn) Tucked into the prairie just beyond the Museum of Danish America, a towering secret waits to be discovered—a 20-foot wooden troll, quietly watching over the landscape.
Created by internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo, the sculpture is anything but ordinary. Dambo—who proudly calls himself a “garbage artist”—builds his larger-than-life creations entirely from discarded materials. This prairie giant is crafted from locally reclaimed wood and now joins a worldwide family of Dambo’s trolls, each hidden in forests, parks, and unexpected corners across the globe, inviting visitors to go searching.
This troll, named Fjord Færgemand (Ferryman), is inspired by the Danish immigrants who settled in Elk Horn.
Each troll has their own story, written by Dambo.
Dambo said he has had many different careers, including painting graffiti and street art, doing various types of graphic design, and performing as a professional human beatboxer. He added that he has always loved dumpster diving and said his troll project brings together all of his favorite passions.
Speaking about his time as a performer, Dambo said he no longer works as a professional rapper. However, he still entertained members of the media this morning.
The troll in Elk Horn took three weeks to complete. Dambo said he has a wonderful team all over the world to help build them.
To find a map with all of Dambo’s hidden trolls, visit Thomasdambo.com/trollmap.
The public is also invited to an Artist Talk with Thomas Dambo from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. tonight at the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton High School in Elk Horn.
Thomas Dambo
Crew Member poses with Fjord
