A Troll, a Park ... and New Public Art

OK, we admittedly “trolled” this project on social media for several weeks prior to its (very public) debut. How could we resist?

In case you missed it, Wauwatosa gained a prominent new resident at its newest city park. “Mama Rosa,” a large troll statue designed by international artist Thomas Dambo, was recently unveiled to great fanfare. The new public art was lauded for its whimsical nature, and use of reclaimed wooden materials.

Did you know 3Up Metal Works played a significant role in bringing Mama Rosa to life?

Though completely hidden, a carefully-crafted metal framework underlies the troll’s 25-foot wooden exterior (see photo below). The Milwaukee welders and metal fabricators at 3Up Metal Works created this sturdy support!

No one said it was easy. This project was the result of taking a vision and, over many meetings and conversations between many parties, turning the abstract into reality.

3Up Metal Works was contacted in 2024 about participating. Firefly Grove Park, the eventual home to Mama Rosa, was under development in Wauwatosa. City officials were in touch with Dambo about creating a piece of public art to make the new park an irresistible draw.

Planning began in our Milwaukee welding and fabrication shop for a (relatively) simple H-frame structure. Design changes soon ensued. Many alterations, too.

The piece gradually evolved into something larger and more engineered. Lights were added, along with electricity. Other features emerged.

The Milwaukee custom metal fabrication experts at 3Up Metal Works, artists in their own right, collaborated with the project leader to fit all the pieces together. Though not visible in the final product, the welders involved added numerous touches of their own during fabrication and forming.

The big reveal of Mama Rosa, in late May, drew a huge crowd and generated significant media attention. Firefly Grove Park has proven wildly popular. Having a unique, oversized troll undoubtedly plays a big part!

All told, many hands were involved to create Wauwatosa’s famous new resident. Our friends at M.M. Schranz Roofing, and countless others, deserve recognition for their roles.

3Up Metal Works was honored to be part of this team. We hope the new public art brings joy to many in the years ahead. We never expected to work on a troll statue … but in the world of custom metal fabrication, no two days are rarely the same!