Cotton Candy Clouds Community Wisdom Tree

Hi! My name is Jessica Johnsen, owner of Cotton Candy Clouds. I became a mom for the first time in 2017. For the past 5 years, I've been creating outdoor adventures for and with our community. I've been dreaming of finding ways to continue to create a truly unique environment that would help kids cultivate a love for adventure and would inspire their creativity, uncover what makes them happy, and encourage them to dream about what’s possible. Becoming a mom inspired me to create the things I wish existed.

On February 1st of this year, the doors opened and the magic took a different form as we took a huge leap and got keys to our creative adventure studio, Cotton Candy Clouds. The magic is about to unfold in a way I truly can't wait to share with our community. Being a mom of 3, I know and understand the village it truly takes to raise kids in today's world. The studio is in the heart of Main Street Gardnerville. My goal is to create an environment that is a place we can go where we feel completely free. A place where we can just, be. Be present. This is that place. A home away from home. A place to build each other up and be a part of a bigger community much larger than ourselves. The world is full of opportunity and adventure. I've dedicated my work to helping others discover it. Our opening date for the studio is April 1st.

I've spent the last 2 weeks thoughtfully designing the space. I was led to Dan Jones, an absolutely incredible artist and dream weaver. His philosophy is that art connects us. He's a father of 4 and a phenomenal human. After thoughtful conversations and collaboration, we have come up with a materials list, time and labor to complete the vision and make our community's wisdom tree come to life. Once crafted and installed, it will provide priceless memories. The tree will change with the seasons and become a focal point of adventure.

So, why am I asking for funding?

I'm trying to create an environment that inspires us all to live less out of habit and more out of intent. For the past 5 years, I've been dreaming about how I could start something to inspire kids and parents to shed distractions, overcome boredom, stimulate their imaginations, and create experiences that would keep them buzzing; an overall zest for life. A place where we can root for each other and watch each other grow. I've also learned that not all storms come to disrupt your life. Some come to clear your path. I won't let my dreams be just dreams. I'm asking our community to join together on this creative adventure. I have so many things in store for the space, BUT I'm not a millionaire. Any donation you could offer to get us this magical wisdom tree that we ALL can enjoy is appreciated more than anything! I will be creating donor plaques as part of the donations received. This is a community project.

The quicker we can get funding for our one-of-a-kind community wisdom tree, the quicker we can get things rolling and Dan can start on his project. He is native to the Tahoe area, but currently resides in Chico, CA. He will need housing during his stay while he builds the tree on site.

A few things to note:

It is important to remember what you're not seeing, is the inside of the tree, that all has to be sculpted also. There is a bench type seating inside and a ceiling with a light (LED).

Dan will build the armatures out of wood framing covered with expanded metal lath. Then coated with several layers of polymer infused cement. Finished with acrylic paint and sealer.

This project is a highly detailed, labor intensive undertaking. As well as real works of art that undergo unknown iterations at this point.

This is a work of "Art" as you know. Dan is extremely mindful of the lasting durability and safety of the structure. He is confident the end product will turn out better than even he envisions.

From Dan's perspective, "These projects are fun and are full of creative experiences. You are the owners of this project and are welcomed to participate with ideas and constructive criticisms. My goal is to give you this art as you desire for your needs."

PLEASE HELP US RAISE FUNDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY WISDOM TREE. ALL DONATIONS RECEIVED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE MATERIALS, TIME, LABOR AND HOUSING FOR DAN WHILE HE BUILDS DREAMS.

ESTIMATED COST FOR THE PROJECT IS $10,000-$18,000.

THE AMOUNT OF DETAIL AND STRUCTURES CREATED DEPENDS ON THE FUNDING RAISED.