Burlington Review

A collection of troll sculptures is set to make its debut in Burlington County as part of the new public art exhibition, "Burlington County Troll Trek." Organized by the Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Parks System, this initiative draws inspiration from "Big Rusty," a troll statue created by renowned sculptor Thomas Dambo at Hainesport’s future Creek Turn Park.

"Big Rusty," constructed primarily from recycled materials found on-site, has become a symbol of recycling, sustainability, and imagination. The new trolls, crafted by local artists using recycled and natural materials, aim to amplify Dambo’s message and complement "Big Rusty."

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to see 18 new trolls, with some being unveiled at the Burlington County Arts After Dark festival on September 28 at Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. The event runs from 4 PM to 9 PM and includes music, theater performances, fine art exhibits, poetry readings, and more. The Troll Trek kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM with the unveiling of two trolls in Smithville.

“Burlington County is known as a destination that embraces art, sustainability and new residents from across the globe,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We were honored that Thomas Dambo selected Burlington County to be the location of one of his famous troll statues and we’re excited to welcome his new friends. We hope Burlington County residents and visitors will seek them all out and become inspired themselves to create art and protect our natural environment.”

The new trolls are being created by 16 artists or teams selected from numerous submissions responding to a prospectus issued by the Burlington County Parks System. Each artist or team received a $500 stipend for materials and installation expenses.

The locations of these trolls are detailed in the Burlington County Parks Fall Program Guide available online. Here are some highlighted creations:

- “Big Rusty” by Thomas Dambo at future Creek Turn Park in Hainesport

- “Gracie the Garden Troll” by Norma and John Neimeister at Historic Smithville Park

- “Troll on a Stroll” by KT Carney at Historic Smithville Park

- “Retlaw” by Julie Park and Adam Pietras in Mount Holly

- Unnamed Troll by Lowell Doerr in Mount Holly

Other troll locations include Rancocas Valley Regional High School Annex, Rancocas Nature Center, Country Village Playground in Lumberton, Medford locations, Elbo Park in Mount Laurel among others.

Funding for stipends and related costs comes from the Burlington County Commissioners and New Jersey State Council on the Arts with support from various co-sponsors including Mill Race Village, Main Street Mount Holly, Rancocas Valley High School Environmental Club among others.

“We’re excited to welcome these new additions to our county,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel. “Hopefully, the trolls will also inspire their visitors to think more about recycling.”

This exhibition follows other arts initiatives supported by the Commissioners who earlier approved $315,000 in grant funding for arts programs including festivals like Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival.

“Support for the arts not only helps artists but also brings visitors,” said Hopson. “Exhibits like Troll Trek create a sense of community.”

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