Three larger-than-life trolls have officially taken up residence in Clinton, and now the artist behind them is coming to town.
The Clinton LumberKings will host internationally acclaimed recycling artist Thomas Dambo on Thursday, April 30 at NelsonCorp Field for a special evening of storytelling, creativity, and community inspiration. The event follows the recent installation of three of Dambo’s iconic troll sculptures in Clinton, including one at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum - marking the first installation of its kind in Iowa and the first along the Mississippi River.
For Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), the moment highlights the power of creativity, sustainability, and community connection—values that resonate across its campuses. The college has a long-standing commitment to the Bickelhaupt Arboretum, supporting it as a living classroom where students and the community can engage with horticulture, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning. The addition of a Dambo troll enhances that experience, blending art with nature in a way that invites exploration and curiosity.
Dambo, widely recognized as the world’s leading recycle artist, has created more than 150 giant troll sculptures across 17 countries using reclaimed materials, transforming discarded wood into imaginative public art that draws visitors from around the world.
The April 30 event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Dambo as he shares his creative journey through stories, images, and video, along with insight into how the Clinton trolls came to life.
Event Details:
NelsonCorp Field, 537 Ball Park Dr., Clinton
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Presentation from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5, with books and concessions available
Tickets can be purchased online at: lumberkings.com/trolls
With three trolls now in Clinton, including one at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum, the community is becoming a destination for art, nature, and education.