November 15, 2025-February 17, 2026 » Asheville
Danish artist Thomas Dambo, in collaboration with Imagine, brings a unique, interactive, and whimsical exhibit to the NC Arboretum: 12 trolls sculpted from reclaimed wood such as tree branches, pallets, and twigs, and reaching heights of nine feet. Fun, curious pieces, these fanciful sculptures dot the arboretum’s gardens and trails, greeting guests, who are provided with a “treasure map” to track the trolls. Six of them will be part of the center’s Winter Lights program. “Thomas Dambo’s use of reclaimed wood resonates deeply, especially considering the changes to our landscape after Hurricane Helene,” notes Arboretum Executive Director Drake Fowler. “With these trolls, guests will discover a renewed sense of fun, exploration, play and adventure.” » NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way; daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; $20+ parking, no admission; (828) 665-2492; ncarboretum.org