Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist and storyteller who creates beautiful and fun sculptures and installations out of recycled materials. His vision is to create art that inspires people to explore nature, have adventures, and demonstrate that trash can be turned into something beautiful. Thomas's project is called “Trail of a 1000 Trolls”.
Thomas began by creating a series of six massive wooden sculptures called “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The sculptures are made from recycled materials and are all different types of trolls. The project was years in the making and the trolls were installed at various points. The project became like a scavenger hunt to find them, experience them, and share photos of the giant installations on social media. The trolls have delighted adults and children alike and have become popular attractions.
The project is part of his ongoing, whimsical folklore project that’s sprouted more than 100 unique trolls across 17 different countries. He has placed his troll artwork on display in various locations around the world, including Denmark, Florida’s Pinecrest Gardens, South Korea, Puerto Rico, China, and Australia.
Now through Jan 14th, you can see Thomas's Troll artwork at the South Coast Botanic Garden located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard in Palos Verdes, CA 90274. We took a field trip to this amazing exhibit for a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden where Thomas has his masterful artwork on display for all of Southern California to enjoy.
It takes Thomas and his team of volunteers several months to create one troll art piece. The number of volunteers needed to make one art piece varies depending on the size and complexity of the sculpture. For example, he worked with 22 troll builders to create 10 sculptures that stretch from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States.
Thomas' trolls art project is a beautiful and inspiring example of how art can be created from recycled materials. His work encourages people to explore nature, have adventures, and foster a greater sense of environmental responsibility.
In addition to this amazing artistry, you can take your family on a nature walk abound by thousands of plant, flower and tree species. The South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre botanical garden located in the Palos Verdes Hills, in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, California, United States, about 10 miles south of Los Angeles. The garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The garden is situated in Sunset’s Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant wildlife and bird population, and over 200 species of birds are sighted annually.
The garden has several exhibits that showcase different types of plants. Some of the current exhibits include:
- The Living Wall: A vertical garden that features a variety of plants, including ferns, succulents, and flowering plants.
- The Garden for the Senses: A garden designed to stimulate all five senses, with plants that have different textures, colors, and fragrances.
- The Japanese Garden: A garden that features a traditional Japanese landscape, with a koi pond, a tea house, and a bonsai collection.
- The Fuchsia Garden: A garden that features a collection of fuchsia plants, including some rare and unusual varieties.
The admission prices for the garden are as follows:
- Garden Members: FREE
- Adults: $15
- Seniors (62 and over): $11
- Students (with ID): $11
- Children (5 – 12): $5
- Children (4 and under): FREE
- Third Tuesday of each month: FREE
The garden is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entrance allowed at 4:30 PM).
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