Forest Giants: Sculptures Made to Decay | Outdoor Art

Experience the magic of Thomas Dambo’s Forest Giants with this up-close look at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum’s three beloved troll sculptures in their forest home, featuring an inside look at their creation and rarely seen overhead views.

Known worldwide for his recycled wood troll sculptures, Dambo’s work is inspired by folklore, nature, and the relationship between humans and the environment. His trolls, designed to draw people into nature and inspire innovative recycling, are part of the global “Trail of a Thousand Trolls.” These magical sculptures are intentionally designed to be temporary, with no protective coatings on the found wood, allowing them to naturally biodegrade over time. Students will appreciate the myth and character of these enchanting creatures while learning about recycling and biodegradation, and seeing a bug’s-eye view of how organic material breaks down in nature and nurtures new life.

Accompanying support materials include activities such as designing artwork from recycled materials and creating model environmental sculptures and experimenting with biodegradation. These resources provide an understanding of natural resources and biodegradation, making the Forest Giants not only a visual delight but also an educational treasure.