Big things are always brewing in Wauwatosa—but this time, we really mean big. On May 28, 2025, our city officially welcomed Mama Rosa, a towering wooden troll created by internationally renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. But this story isn’t just about art—it’s about how local talent helped make it shine.
Thanks to a unique collaboration between artist and community, Mama Rosa isn’t just a sculpture—she’s a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and the spark that happens when creativity meets craftsmanship. And at the heart of her glow is a local company with a big role in her magic: Current Electric.
A First-of-Its-Kind Troll
Mama Rosa is not only the first Dambo troll in Wisconsin—she’s also the first Dambo troll in the world designed with an illuminated feature. Her glowing bouquet sets her apart from all 154 of her global siblings, and that light is more than decorative—it’s a symbol of how discarded materials, community effort, and technical skill can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
That radiant detail was made possible by Current Electric, a Milwaukee-area company known for innovative, sustainable electrical work. Their team stepped in to electrify the sculpture, using recycled lamp poles and custom wiring to light Mama Rosa’s flowers—transforming her into a beacon of beauty and environmental consciousness.
Powering Art and Community
“In Wauwatosa, art and industry unite to transform waste into wonder,” said Chuck Smith, Founder of Current Electric. “The recycled lamp poles, now illuminating Rosa’s presence, symbolize the power of creativity and sustainability. Through collaboration between artists, electricians, and construction teams, this project embodies the spirit of innovation and environmental consciousness.”
Smith continued, “This initiative is more than a sculpture—it’s a testament to the strength of community, the beauty of repurposed materials, and the magic of storytelling through art.”
The Current Electric team was honored to help bring Dambo’s vision to life—especially for such a landmark creation. “We were thrilled to be part of the world’s first illuminated troll,” Smith said. “It’s not every day you help a giant bloom with light.”
A Collaborative Triumph
The Mama Rosa project marks the 41st Dambo troll in the U.S. and the first ever in Wisconsin. Funded through tourism tax dollars (not local property taxes) and supported by the Wauwatosa Tourism Commission, the $365,000 installation was brought to life in Firefly Grove Park near 116th Street.
Smith shared a personal connection to the sculpture’s symbolism: “My first exposure with trolls was the troll under the bridge and the trolls we used to play with as kids,” he recalled. “From that image, we reflect on the troll experience in our lives. It’s really exciting to have the City of Wauwatosa embrace such an artsy and culturally connective symbol.”
Built by Many, Beloved by All
As with many of Dambo’s installations, Mama Rosa was built with help from local volunteers. But Wauwatosa’s troll stands out not just for her glow, but for how she embodies the city’s values of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. Thanks to the teamwork of artists, electricians, and community members, Mama Rosa is more than a sculpture—she’s a living story.
Come See the Light
Whether you’re a local resident or a visiting troll hunter, Firefly Grove Park is now home to a must-see destination. Visit Mama Rosa during the day to admire the craftsmanship and upcycled materials—and return at night to experience the first-ever illuminated Dambo troll, brought to life by the brilliant hands of Current Electric.
Because in Wauwatosa, big things are always happening—and when community and creativity connect, the results are nothing short of electric.