Trolls To Populate Burlington Co., With Big Rusty-Inspired Sculptures In The Works

HAINESPORT, NJ — A 20-foot troll in a Burlington County park has received plenty of visitors since she was installed last year. But Big Rusty is now seeking some friends to populate the county.

Big Rusty, a sculpture made of recycled trash, sits outside an abandoned factory in the woods off Route 38 in Hainesport — the site of a future park. She's the brainchild of Danish artist and recycling activist Thomas Dambo, whose troll sculptures can be found throughout the world.

County leaders would like to give Big Rusty some companions, seeking artists who can create them. The county commissioners kicked off a campaign this week in an effort to develop at least 13 additional troll sculptures for different public spaces.

Since settling into Burlington County, Big Rusty has promoted recycling, sustainability and community — values that trolls could spread to other parks and downtowns throughout the county in a collective dubbed the "Troll Trek."

"Burlington County welcomes new residents from across the globe, including trash-consuming trolls," said Felicia Hopson, the county commissioner director. "We were thrilled Mr. Dambo selected Burlington County to be the home of one of his amazing creations. We love the statue so much, that we decided to ask some artists to create some more trolls so Big Rusty isn't alone."

The county will accept preliminary designs for trolls through June 1, with hopes to announce selections by late June and then unveil the finished trolls in late September.

Artists are encouraged to use natural and/or recycled materials for their trolls, which must be able to withstand the outdoor elements. Each troll must be at least 4 feet tall, and their designs should be original — not copies of Dambo's work. The county will give each artist a $500 stipend for materials and installation expenses. View the application form.

The initiative is funded with money awarded to Burlington County from the New Jersey Arts Council, with additional support from partnering municipalities and organizations: Lumberton Township; Mount Laurel; Mount Holly and Main Street Mount Holly; Delanco and the Delanco Environmental Advisory Board; Springfield Township; Burlington City and the Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts; Medford and Lower Forge Brewery, Shoppes at Medford Mill and the Medford Arts Center and the Rancocas Nature Center in Westampton.

"We are grateful to all these organizations for partnering with us and supporting this exciting arts initiative," said County Commissioner Allison Eckel. "Supporting the arts not only helps artists and arts organizations, it also brings visitors to our towns, generates jobs and business activity, and helps bring our residents closer together."

Big Rusty is made of a rusty metal roof, a plywood attic, a concrete wall, wood and electrical equipment. She sits outside the abandoned Creek Turn Ceramic factory — the site of Hainesport's future Creek Turn Park.