A History of the Fremont Troll - Project for Schack Art Center
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I am a teen contributor to Schack Art Center of Everett, and every month I submit one blog article for Schack to post. This month’s feature is about the history of the Fremont Troll:
You’ve seen the landmark, but do you know the story behind Seattle’s most famous art project?
In 1989, the Fremont Arts Council sponsored a competition to spruce up the area under the Aurora Bridge. They narrowed over 40 entries down to 4 finalists and the troll design by Steve Badanes won, and construction began in 1990. A total of 4 artists – Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead worked on the project, with help from many community volunteers. Construction took about 3 months!
Photo credit: me
The sculpture is 18-feet tall, made of 2 tons of concrete and sits nestled under the north end of the Aurora Bridge.
The troll has a Volkswagon Beetle cemented under the troll’s hand, which originally contained a time capsule inside (one of many hidden details of public art you’d never know from first glance!) The Volkswagon was donated to the project after a collision - a perfect example of upcycling as art.
In 2005, the road parallel to the bridge was officially renamed Troll Avenue North.
In 30 years since it’s creation, the troll has become a quirkly landmark tourists and locals both love!
Art Inspired by Public Art
I created this quick watercolor mini-painting of the Fremont Troll for this feature, as a way to showcase art inspired by public art. It’s available in my Etsy shop as prints, greeting cards, stickers, and magnets!
Portage Bay Goods - Fremont, WA
Shop, in Fremont!
Want to shop Fremont Troll art in-person? How about in Fremont?
Portage Bay Goods (an amazing shop in Fremont) is one block away from the troll, its storefront located in the heart of downtown Fremont (affectionately referred to as the ‘Center of the Universe’).
PBG carries my stickers, magnets, and greeting cards of my Fremont Troll art!
Want to learn more about the Fremont Troll? Check out these articles below!
Citations:
"How the Fremont Troll became a symbol of creative resilience in a tech boomtown." Curbed Seattle, Curbed Seattle, 4 June 2019, seattle.curbed.com/2019/6/4/18650083/fremont-bridge-troll-history-location.
