In the heart of Seattle, WA, a dedicated community group known as the Friends of Troll’s Knoll is on a mission to preserve the beauty of their local sculpture garden. One of the most well-known sites of Fremont is the Troll that hides under the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The Friends of Trolls’ Knoll protect this public park, and over the years have added other sculptures to the park, including the Moss turtle, and the Mushroom Lanterns.
Unfortunately, the beloved Mushroom Lantern Sculptures, crafted by artists HaiYing Wu and Michiko Tanaka, have faced repeated vandalism. After the sculptures were damaged three times, it became clear that they needed a more durable replacement to protect the art that had become a cherished part of the neighborhood’s identity.
The Friends of Troll’s Knoll group recognized that these sculptures were not just art; they were a heartfelt gift from the artists to the community. Located just a stone’s throw from the famous Fremont Troll, these sculptures bring joy and activate the urban forest space, particularly during the fall and winter months when mushrooms thrive.
Determined to honor the artists and their contribution, the group consulted with them and local public art organizations. Together, they decided that replacing the concrete sculptures with sturdier, one-piece metal designs would not only enhance their beauty but also ensure their longevity. To fund this ambitious project, the group turned to Bonfire, creating a merch campaign that allows supporters to purchase unique t-shirts featuring designs from the artists, including a popular design inspired by the Moss Turtle sculpture.
Reflecting on their journey, Sarah Olivo, Annual Giving Manager for Seattle Parks Foundation shared, “Our t-shirt campaign will help that effort, so please support it. We were inspired by the original troll artists who, as part of their build-it fundraising campaign, sold specially designed t-shirts and bathing caps more than thirty-five years ago. We hope their past success will work for us too.”
The campaign is gaining momentum, with a growing number of supporters rallying to help raise funds for a fifth sculpture—a “lucky mushroom” that symbolizes hope and good fortune. This effort not only aims to replace the damaged sculptures, but it also fosters a sense of community and connection among residents and visitors alike.
With their campaign available on Bonfire, the Friends of Troll’s Knoll invite everyone to join their mission. “We are thrilled with the amount of options and quality of products,” they commented, showcasing the excitement surrounding the project.
As the iconic Troll continues to attract locals and tourists, the addition of the Moss Turtle and the new mushroom sculptures will enhance the natural beauty of this vibrant neighborhood. If you want to support this inspiring community art project, check out their campaign here and follow their journey on Instagram.
