AUSTIN, Texas — A week after a fire destroyed Malin, the 18-foot wooden troll sculpture at Pease Park, Austin residents are leaving handmade art at the site as the park’s conservancy plans a memorial evening for next month.
The Pease Park Conservancy said it has been moved by an outpouring of tributes since the May 21 fire, including two pieces of artwork among the first left at the scene. One depicts the troll herself on an orange background, another showing a bright pink flower on blue paper.
“We have loved seeing your creations and mementos honoring Malin,” the conservancy said.
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Officials are inviting the public to a memorial gathering at Pease Park on the evening of Wednesday, June 24. Attendees are welcome to bring artwork and photos to display. Additional details are forthcoming.
The conservancy said it is working with the City of Austin to determine next steps for the site, though no decisions have been announced.
Malin, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and funded entirely by private donors at a cost of roughly $300,000, was built from reclaimed wood from a decommissioned water tower at the University of Texas’ J.J. Pickle Research Campus. It was Dambo’s first troll installation in Texas.
Austin Fire Department arson investigators are still looking into the cause of the blaze. Anyone with information is asked to call AFD at 1-877-434-7345.