Kate Mothes

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Location
Kaukauna, Wisconsin
School
University of Edinburgh, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Expertise
Solo travel, Road trips, Outdoor adventures
  • Kate has traveled the length and breadth of the U.S. by car, tent camping along the way.
  • When she's not road-tripping or hiking with her dog, you'll find her visiting art shows and writing about must-see visual culture across various destinations.
  • Her favorite places (so far) are the Rocky Mountains, the central California coast, and the Scottish Highlands.

Experience

Kate has been writing professionally since 2022, focusing predominantly on visual art and culture for publications like Colossal, Ceramics Monthly, Selvedge Magazine, Dovetail Magazine, Arts Midwest, and other high-profile outlets. She began writing for Static in Spring 2025, writing for both Planetware and Islands and emphasizing articles about enjoying national parks and the outdoors, discovering local culture, and exploring small towns. She grew up taking road trips to art festivals with her dad, who is an artist, instilling a lifelong passion for long journeys. Each year, she spends at least a few months on the road. She has also lived in Scotland for a few years and has traveled extensively around Europe, relishing "slow travel," great food, unique experiences, and immersing herself in local culture, history, and the outdoors.

Education

Kate studied art history in college, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's degree from the University of Edinburgh.

Islands Editorial Policies

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Stories By Kate Mothes