DETROIT LAKES 鈥� The opportunity to go on an adventure that is led by trolls is nigh. On June 10, five massive troll sculptures, a golden rabbit and three portals are slated for completion. At that time, a guide to find the trolls will be unveiled to the public.
However, some are already looking for the trolls and others are stumbling upon the sculptures. LuGene Peterson said she heard about the troll somewhere in (24878 Dunton Locks Road, Detroit Lakes) and decided Tuesday afternoon was a perfect day for a troll stroll in nature. After taking a few different paths, Peterson came across one that had a steady stream of people walking into a wooded area.
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Fellow Detroit Lakes resident Pam Kruger said since the troll appeared, the park just south of city limits has gained more visitors. Kruger explained that she takes daily walks on the paved trails in the park, and while summer increases the number of park visitors, it is easy to see the troll is drawing people to get out and enjoy nature as well.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really remarkable what Project 412 and the city of Detroit Lakes have done for this community so we can be known for this (art),鈥� Kruger said.
(In addition to trolls, the city also has sailboat and sunfish statues painted by artists, multiple murals and "art surprises" around town as well as utility boxes that artists have spruced up.)
While the height and size of the trolls seemed to be the instant impressions made upon visitors, the artistic details quickly followed.
鈥淟ook at the toenails,鈥� a child said as she placed her hand on the wood.
鈥淎ren鈥檛 those teeth the cutest things,鈥� another person noted.
鈥淒id you know they shipped the head, but made the eyebrows right here,鈥� a woman told her friend, adding the entire troll was made completely of recycled material.
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As the troll was captured with selfies and portraits of families and friends, the purpose of the art project appears to be an early success.
The artist who created the trolls is Thomas Dambo. Hailing from Demark, the world-renowned artist aims to bring awareness to treasures that can be created from trash and the importance of recycling. Another goal of the project is to get people outside and in nature.
While some are eager to find the trolls and take a few pictures, others may enjoy the full experience that the artist is creating. Dambo鈥檚 artwork comes with a story. The Detroit Lakes troll adventure begins with a troll named Alexa.
Folklore indicates the mythical creatures that typically dwell in isolated areas are rarely helpful to humans. However, Alexa is different. She learned of a curse by an evil golden rabbit that drives humans to work harder and harder for promised treasure. Alexa is trying to break the curse by creating an elixir. She found an alliance of other trolls wanting to help, and from there, the story becomes an interactive adventure for people to join in the fun.
When the troll build is complete, there will be an adventure guide to send people to the trolls, while enjoying a story.
The Trust Project
