Upcycled materials, a troll, nature and a Danish artist will merge for a sculpture coming to Cayce, the first of its kind in South Carolina.

The city, which has its own river arts district, recently approved negotiations for a Thomas Dambo public art project, which has proven economic impacts, according to city officials.

Cities comparable to Cayce in size report park visitation increases of up to 60%, along with estimated economic impacts ranging from $1.5 million to $5 million over a three- to five-year period, according to a press release from Cayce.

The recycled-wood troll sculpture could cost the city up to $355,000, according to a Facebook post from Councilman Byron Thomas. 

Mayor Elise Partin said Dambo will visit the city and meet with park staff to discuss the size of the piece and specific location. As of now, the troll statue will go somewhere along the Riverwalk.

Dambo is known for large art installations, with his trolls ranging in size from that of an average adult to much larger. In one of the pictures the city used for its Facebook post announcing the project, the troll sculpture appears to be the height of a grown man. Dambo's "Daddy Bird Eye" troll in Dix Park, Raleigh, N.C. (pictured with this article) however, appears to be much larger.

Partin said she doesn't expect a massive troll. 

“His pieces are delightful and full of joy. It’s fabulous what it brings out of people,” Partin said. “Thomas Dambo’s works have been a source of joy for people. That’s something we wanted to bring to the city, but also arts is an economic development engine, and we have a history of operating in ways that use art to bring people to the city and bring businesses to the city."

Partin likened this initiative to Soiree on State, an event in which art, food and family-friendly fun fill a portion of State Street in Cayce, bringing creative life to the city. 

“Money meant to support events and investments like this is meant to bring money and people in,” Partin said of grant funding and hospitality tax money. “There’s a pot of money used only for things like this and nothing else we could spend money on that would bring that kind of return of investments. It’s a really cool opportunity.”

A Facebook post from the city calls the Dambo project a "one-time capital investment expected to deliver measurable return on investment through increased visitor spending, hotel stays, restaurant traffic, and retail activity." 

As far as Dambo's art presence in the United States, his trolls troll in multiple states, coast to coast, including in California and Florida. He aspires for his trolls to stomp in all U.S. states. 

“This project represents a smart, forward-looking investment in Cayce’s future,” Partin said. “Communities that have partnered with Thomas Dambo have seen measurable tourism growth, national recognition, and long-term economic impact. Cayce is proud to be the first city in South Carolina to bring one of these extraordinary works of art to our residents and visitors.”

The Denmark-based artist has over 100 pieces of artwork around the world and is known for taking trash and turning it into treasures. Another aspect of Dambo’s works is how he wants people to be involved in the projects. A visit to his website allows people to go on a treasure hunt of the trolls and also be inspired by trash as a “valuable resource.”

A project timeline for Cayce's mystical friend will come soon.