NEVADA CITY, Calif. June 6, 2025 – In recent weeks, a giant plastic hot dog sitting in the window at 230 Broad Street in downtown Nevada City has caught the eye of locals and visitors alike.

Many are spellbound the moment they step into Wonder Docent , a new art supply shop and creative hub opened just two weeks ago by three “accomplices in curiosity” – Heather Heckler, her life partner of 25 years Liz Matson and childhood bestie Alison Schmidt.

Years in the making, Wonder Docent is a dream project for the trio.

“We’ve put out the bat signal,” said Heckler as she gave a tour of the safe, welcoming space full of color and light on Thursday morning. After 15 years committed to government and the nonprofit sectors in the community, Heckler is all smiles at the helm of this full-time gig

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