WonderStump!
Immersive Art Experiences
that transport visitors into worlds of imagination and wonder!
WonderStump! is a visionary collective of artists based in Petaluma, CA, dedicated to creating extraordinary Immersive Art Experiences that transport visitors into worlds of imagination and wonder. Currently creating art for Sonoma County locales and festivals, our future exhibit and venue space will present a diverse array of interactive multimedia art installations, inviting patrons to journey through a captivating narrative brought to life by local talent.
At WonderStump!, visitors immerse themselves in an enchanting environment, where every corner reveals a new story waiting to be discovered. Through cutting-edge entertainment technology and innovative design, we create multi-sensory experiences that inspire awe and ignite the imagination.
Our mission goes beyond entertainment; we aspire to be a platform for emerging local artists, providing them with a spotlight to showcase their talent, regardless of age or background. At the same time we welcome experienced and well-known artists who come to us with a generous spirit of mentorship and support. By fostering creativity and artistic expression, we aim to amplify the vibrant arts community in Petaluma, Sonoma County, and beyond.
Come and explore this extraordinary world as we embark on a mission to redefine art and creativity for generations to come!
StumpFounders
Josh is an artist, maker, designer, builder, creative technologist, and visionary... among many other ridiculous adjectives. Josh has a passion for making the imagined real, and when he’s not making his own creations he’s helping others do it. These days, he can often be found working at his new Petaluma-based art collective, WonderStump! Check out his instagram @visceralx.projects
Josh Cardenas
Master Visionary
Kirsten’s art spans the gamut, from classically trained fine art media to leather costume design to uncanny realistic baby dolls and weird goat hair. She delights in combining traditional art techniques with new technology and loves bringing the fantastical and weird to the everyday. Immersive and interactive art is her jam, and she has big aspirations for the collective magic of WonderStump! You can find more of her personal work @cabracreative
Kirsten Bjøre
Grand Artress
WonderStump! Press
When Josh Cardenas and Kirsten Bjore heard that Rivertown Revival had reimagined its festival set for July 19-20 to take advantage of the cool evening and late-night breezes, the founders of the WonderStump! arts collective had an idea.
“We were super inspired when we heard Rivertown Revival was going to be ‘After Dark’ this year,” Cardenas said. “I’m an artist who works in sculpture, lighting and experiential/interactive art forms. Kirsten loves working with fiber arts, soft sculpture, natural materials and projections. Together, we like to create unique, playful experiences that invite people to find new ways of seeing the world.”
The Judges Special Award, awarded to the entrant with the most entertaining and unique presentation, went to Arts Alive. A monthly celebration of the arts and artists, Arts Alive take place on the third Thursday of every month, and appearing the parade to promote it were several regular participants, including WonderStump! Art Collective, Life on Earth Art, the Unicorn Blessing Brigade and Alchemia. Their exubrant procession was enormous, festooned with colorful costumes, towering walking puppets, and dozens of smiling and waving artists.
Northern California Public Media joined us in the Stump Studio to learn a little more about our epic parade float build for the 2024 Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival in Petaluma. Greener Pastures, and giant chickens!