Press Release: Welcome Mama Mimi To R Park!
Jackson, WY: A giant troll has emerged from the banks of R Park’s pond, to engage and delight all who visit. The troll – officially named “Mama Mimi” – was built by the artist Thomas Dambo, produced by Jackson Hole Public Art and hosted at Jackson Hole Land Trust’s community conservation property, R Park. This project has been years in the making and the organizations look forward to welcoming the community to visit this magical sculpture safely and with respect for the land. The following tips were created as a “Troll Like a Local” campaign that will be promoted throughout the summer.
Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist and recycling activist, led a team of workers to build “Mama Mimi” from recycled and renewable materials that were sourced locally. “Mama Mimi” is the eightieth addition to the larger family of trolls located all over the United States and the world; learn how the trolls are all connected to Dambo’s global fairytale, “The Great Story of the Little People”, at trollmap.com.
Artist: Thomas Dambo; Photo Credit: Sam Pope
The sculpture is interactive, inviting wonder and exploration, and will stay on location for 3-5 years. Thomas Dambo first visited Jackson Hole in 2019, immersing himself in the site, and all partners worked closely together to place his sculpture in response to the land, to avoid disrupting important ecological areas of R Park such as the wetlands and the areas of concentrated wildlife habitat. “Mama Mimi” looks out over the pond, with one leg resting on a small island, inviting and watching over the many people who visit this community park throughout the year. She is a reminder that we can have more beautiful community spaces like this one – which was formerly a gravel pit – if we join together and protect our environment.
This project is possible through the generous support of our community. Sponsors include Outpost, which provided housing for Thomas Dambo and his team for two weeks, Subaru and the National Parks Conservation Association’s Zero Landfill Initiative, who supported JH Public Art and pArtners’ Trolls in the Schools build challenge, Two Oceans Builders, Jenkins Lumber, Teton Rentals, Sherwin Williams, and New West Building Company. Jorgensen Engineering was hired to provide the engineering review.
The troll was built by Thomas Dambo and two of his experienced troll-builders, Mark Rivera and Sebastian Figueroa, with local assistance from Nathaniel Hagood, Tyler Wight, McKenzie Genin, Nikko Grambow, and residents from Red Top Meadows. Food and beverages were provided to the troll team thanks to Aspens Market, Café Genevieve Catering, Calico, Creekside Market, Fine Dining Catering, Hatch Taqueria & Tequilas, Miazgas, NY Sub Shop, Persephone, Roadhouse Brewery, Pearl Street Bagels, Picas, Pizzeria Caldera, Pinky G’s Pizzeria, Pizzeria Caldera, Snake River Brewing, Streetfood @ The Stagecoach, Sweet Cheeks Meats, Teton Thai, Whole Foods, Willi Brooks, and Smith’s Grocery.
