Thomas Dambo spent October 13 to 15, 2026, in Stanwood-Camano, and the troll our community has been working toward started to feel real. The Danish artist, known around the world for giant trolls built from reclaimed wood, came with his family to walk the land, meet the people behind the project, and begin imagining the Stanwood-Camano Troll.

Over three days he toured the proposed site, met about 75 supporters at a reception, and set aside time to think about the story this troll will tell. Here is how the visit unfolded and what happens next.

Who is Thomas Dambo?

Thomas Dambo is a recycle artist from Denmark. He has built close to 200 trolls in 19 countries, and his team adds about 25 new ones each year, according to the Associated Press. Each troll is made from salvaged materials such as recycled hardwoods, scrap lumber and fallen branches, and each has its own name, personality and story.

The trolls carry a message. Dambo has said his work is less about the trolls than about keeping the world from drowning in trash. In 2023 he brought six trolls to the Pacific Northwest for Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King, with permanent sculptures on Bainbridge Island, on Vashon Island, in Issaquah, West Seattle and Ballard, and in Portland. You can find every one of his trolls on his troll map.

How the idea started

The idea for a troll in Stanwood-Camano began with the Daughters of Norway, who saw it as a way to celebrate our Scandinavian heritage. A volunteer steering committee formed around the idea. The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation became the project's fiscal sponsor, Arrowhead Ranch and the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce joined in, and the City of Stanwood put its support in writing in September. Thomas signed on to create the troll, and this visit gave him the chance to see the area for himself before design begins.

Wednesday morning: walking the site

On Wednesday morning, Thomas toured the proposed installation site with a small group that included members of the steering committee, local tribal members and area historians.

Every Dambo troll is built for a particular place, and its story grows out of that place. That is why the group included people who know this land and its history. They talked through how visitors would reach the troll, what they would see and feel along the way, and what story the troll might tell about Stanwood and Camano Island. 

Wednesday evening: a reception at Arrowhead Ranch

That evening, Arrowhead Ranch hosted a reception for donors, community partners and supporters. About 75 guests met Thomas, heard about his work and learned more about the vision for the Stanwood-Camano Troll. 

Thursday: time to reflect

Thursday was set aside for the artist. Thomas went back to the proposed site on his own terms and began the creative work: thinking through the shape of the troll, where it will sit in the landscape, and the story it will represent.

How a Dambo troll gets made

A Dambo troll moves from story to sketch to sculpture. The design phase settles the troll's character, pose and size and how it fits the site. Pre-production lines up materials, engineering and the build plan. Then Dambo's crew builds the troll on site from reclaimed wood, often with help from local volunteers. Much of that wood is gathered from the community, which is why we are already collecting offers of reclaimed lumber and materials.

What comes next

With the visit complete, the project moves into design.

• Late October through December 2026: Thomas and his team work on design and development.
• Early 2027: Pre-production, including materials, engineering and build planning.
• October 2027: The Stanwood-Camano Troll is built.

We will share updates here and on social media as the troll takes shape.

Be part of it

The community has raised $215,000 toward a $600,000 goal.

• Donate online, or mail a check to the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, PO Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292, with "Troll" in the memo line.
• Volunteer, offer reclaimed wood, or share the story at stanwoodcamanotroll.com.
• Questions? Write to stanwoodcamanotroll@gmail.com or follow @stanwoodcamanotroll on Facebook and Instagram.

Frequently asked questions

Where will the troll be located?

The proposed site was the focus of Thomas's visit, but the final location has not been announced. We will share it here once it is confirmed.

What will the troll look like?

No one knows yet, including Thomas. He designs each troll for its site and its story, and that work runs from late October through December 2026. We will share what we can as the design comes together.

When will the troll be built?

The build is scheduled for October 2027.

Can I help build it?

We expect to need volunteers. Sign up at stanwoodcamanotroll.com and we will contact you as build plans firm up.

Can I donate wood or other materials?

Yes. Dambo's trolls are made from reclaimed materials, and local wood is part of the story. Use the form at stanwoodcamanotroll.com to tell us what you have.

How much money is left to raise?

As of this post, the community has raised $215,000 of the $600,000 goal, which leaves $385,000 to go.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. The project is fiscally sponsored by the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Tax ID #91-6036846.

This community project is fiscally sponsored by the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Tax ID #91-6036846. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.