After now-famous Isak Hearthstone went viral at the beginning of October, people from around Colorado and beyond swarmed Breckenridge to go “troll hunting.” Not sure who Isak Hearthstone is? It’s the name of the giant wooden troll built trailside in Breckenridge by Danish artist Thomas Dambo – one of a collection of giant trolls he’s been building around the world.

During a month where Breckenridge would typically be stuck between summer tourism and ski season, visitation surged, and everyone seemed to be coming to this tiny mountain town to view this unique art installation. This wouldn’t go without controversy for long though, as soon after the viral event, local residents started to take up arms against Isak Hearthstone. They called for his immediate removal. The complaint – an increase in traffic to the outdoor exhibit.

At first, many assumed the complaints would subside, but as Isak Hearthstone’s popularity continued to boom, the complaints were taken to city council. While city council initially decided that the troll should stay in place, they’ve since backtracked on their vote, opting to instead remove the troll  citing people slipping while hunting for the exhibit as their reason.

While artist Thomas Dambo has been relatively silent during the chain of events, he’s officially made a plea via Facebook for his fans and followers to help him save his piece of art. According to him, he thinks “it would be a disaster if all the time, love and effort put in to building this giant friendly troll would go to waste.”

Dambo also uses his plea to discount several misconception regarding the troll and his role in the decision, stating that he’s indeed NOT happy about its removal, as some media had erroneously stated. He’s also clarified that the troll is meant to last for at least three years in the local weather, not the 1-2 years that had been initially reported.

Though the removal of the troll does seem to be set in stone with the latest decision, Dambo has asked that the public shares his plea for help in finding a new home for Isak Hearthstone.

Why was the troll initially installed? It was commissioned by Breckenridge Creative Arts for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, which lasted from August 10-19, 2018. The price? $40,000.

This writer is hoping that Dambo will get what he wants and that Isak Hearthstone will land somewhere to live out the rest of his days in one collective piece. Here’s a link to Thomas Dambo’s Facebook page if you’d like to check out more of his work and stay up-to-date with what’s coming out next.