Victor or “The City of Gold Mines” is located on the southwest side of Pikes Peak in Teller County. Victor was founded in 1891 and has a population of 380.
- Victor Main Street has partnered with a local non-profit to bring world renowned recycling artist, Thomas Dambo, to Victor. Dambo will lead a group of volunteers to build a troll art installation.
- Completed, it is an instant draw to visitors and residents. It also demonstrates the fun and creative side of Victor that is often overshadowed by the town’s mining history.
- The project has shown that being open minded can lead to new opportunities that can benefit an entire community.
Local entrepreneur, Jeff Helner, initiated the troll project with former Victor Main Street Manager, Kim Lottig. Their goal was to create a community art project that would benefit the community and create awareness for Victor.
- Thomas Dambo is famous for his recycled troll installations. He was contacted by Jeff and Kim to initiate the project.
- A non-profit was established to launch the project and manage fundraising efforts.
- Local recycled material and labor were used to create the troll, benefiting the local economy.
- Additional opportunities for economic growth will be experienced in tourism, lodging, and dining.
“Encourage your board members, associates, staff, business contacts, peers, local art groups – everyone you meet – to gather and discuss the ideas that you unearth. Find creative people and encourage their creativity and passion for art ideas. Encourage them to run with their ideas. Let them,” says Jon Zalewski, Victor Main Street Manager.