Why WonderStump?
We’re tree people. Trees remind us to be patient, resilient, and rooted—even when life gets weird. And stumps? Stumps are proof that endings can be beginnings. They host ecosystems, sprout new life, and hold quiet power. A stump can be home to moss, mushrooms, creatures, stories, even portals to new worlds.
WonderStump draws from that same spirit—creative regrowth, transformation, and unexpected beginnings. It’s more than a name; it’s our blueprint.
We’re building an immersive art space where nature and technology intertwine—where sculpture meets sensors, projection meets bark, and the physical merges with the digital to spark curiosity and connection. Here, traditional installations live alongside interactive, high-tech experiences that invite you to touch, explore, and play.
It’s a place where wonder takes root. Where weird is welcome. Where art grows in unexpected directions—and you're invited to grow with it.
Our Vision…
Immersive Art Experience
What if Petaluma, CA was known for chickens AND ART?!?!??! This summer we are expanding WonderStump!’s popup art experiences into a permanent site-based art installation and venue, built by local artists.
This immersive art experience will entice visitors to embark upon a journey in which they become part of the artwork. Upon stepping inside, vibrant digital projections, interactive light displays, and ambient soundscapes converge with traditional sculptural installations to create an ever-changing, sensory-rich environment. This other world entices guests to explore and interact with the art, inviting a deeply personal and engaging exploration of creativity.
Also. It’ll be totally Instagrammable.
A Sense of Wonder
When was the last time you were absolutely amazed? When did you last play? When were you so excited to see something, you immediately texted your friends to join you? All these things happen on the daily in our minds and in our studio, and it’s time to share them all with you.
WonderStump! weaves wonder into the everyday, activates the playful curiosity we were all born with, and brings friends and strangers together for a shared experience that results in connection and joy.
Built By Local Artists
Our immersive art experience will be crafted by local artists, providing them a unique platform to showcase their creativity and skills. Each artist will have the opportunity to express their own ideas and media, within the framework of one cohesive, collaborative narrative.
By engaging both experienced and emerging talent, we will foster growth and innovation within the community, ensuring fresh and diverse artistic perspectives while also sharing experience and skills with up and coming artists. This initiative not only empowers artists but also enriches Petaluma’s vibrant art scene, elevating our cultural landscape and strengthening the network of creative professionals and friends.
Burners…we’re looking at you. 🧡
An Offering For Our Community
We love Petaluma & we’re all about giving back to the town that inspires us! What does that mean? How about…
A place to gather and have fun!
An intriguing experience to share with your guests from out of town!
Performances by local musicians, actors, street performers, dancers, and more!
Unique, beautiful, quirky, exquisite handmade one of a kind gifts!
Locally sourced organic snacks from Petaluma purveyors!
Bespoke craft cocktails that include magic in every sip!
An escape from the grind!
An ever-changing magical space that is responsive to your needs and desires, shape shifting like a storybook wizard to ensure you can visit time and time again without becoming bored!
WonderStump Founders
Kirsten Björe
Kirsten Björe is an artist, educator, and creative shapeshifter who thrives on curiosity, connection, and the wonderfully weird.
Born and raised in Alaska, she homesteaded off-grid as a kid with her parents, brother, and giant St. Bernard-Husky mix named Ruffy. That early immersion in nature and self-reliance became the heartbeat of her work: art that speaks to close relationships, deep listening, and wild landscapes.
She’s spent over 15 years teaching art and behavior support in public schools, where she built a product design program to help teens launch real-life creative businesses. Her path includes everything from processing crime photos to co-founding a hula hoop fitness biz, and even running a niche company processing goat hair for reborn doll artists worldwide.
In Petaluma, she served as Head of Engagement & Programming at Life On Art, creating public art, community partnerships, and programming centered on healing and artistic activism. She co-organizes Arts Alive Petaluma with Josh and continues to champion mental health, LGBTQIA+ visibility, and creative entrepreneurship.
She’s super into costume design, leather working, brass tools, and making meaningful messes.
Find her at cabracreative.com or @cabracreative on Instagram.
photo by Kat Carey, darkroomfoto
Josh Cardenas
Josh Cardenas is a creative technologist, designer, and full-time dream-crafter. He brings imagination to life through light, sound, and spaces.
Raised in Southern California, Josh grew up surrounded by the magic of theme parks and the film industry. He started by building haunted houses and fantasy environments—anything that let him turn ideas into immersive worlds.
He’s worked in visual effects, animation, and immersive design on projects like Iron Man, Elysium, and Die Hard IV, created visuals for Disney, and produced comic books for Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. He even designed animated backdrops for a royal wedding in Abu Dhabi.
Josh designed visuals and robotic camera systems for DJ Shadow, then toured internationally with him—crafting a layered visual experience to amplify the music. He’s also taught high schoolers how to make art that moves, blinks, and glows, and founded Art Reactor, a youth-focused tech-art venture.
Now based in Petaluma, he co-directs Arts Alive Petaluma with Kirsten and spends his days building immersive, tech-infused wonderlands at WonderStump.
Follow his work at @visceralx.projects.
WonderStump! Press
