1. Who is Kathy Dotson?
Kathy is a dedicated freelance graphic designer and illustrator, serving a diverse range of clients—from local nonprofits to businesses across the state and nation. She specializes in print design and logo development, and her creative talents also extend to illustrating children’s books, with two titles to her credit. Kathy is known for her original illustration and design for various bands, festivals, and events, including her creative work for the 2026 High Sierra Music Festival. Kathy is widely recognized for her work with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in Nevada City. During her time at this environmental nonprofit, she co-founded and served as director of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Under her leadership, the festival grew into one of the largest of its kind in the United States. She also launched and developed the festival’s highly successful national tour program.
Her passion for environmental and social justice advocacy led Kathy to a leadership role with Indivisible Nevada County, where she continues to champion truth and democracy, and community engagement.
Originally from Southern California, Kathy has been deeply engaged in the Nevada City community since moving here in 1994. In addition to her professional and activist work, she teaches one of the most dynamic (and musically inspired!) indoor cycling classes at the South Yuba Club. She loves experiencing live music and spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters.
2. What excited you about making art for WSFF?
Twenty-five years ago a few of us at SYRCL willed this festival into existence — pure momentum. Getting to illustrate that energy for the anniversary poster feels like the universe handing me back something I helped build. I am beyond honored.
3. Can you walk us through the artwork you created for the 2027 Wild & Scenic Film Festival—breaking down the key elements represented and what they signify—and share what this year’s theme, ‘MOMENTUM,’ means to you personally and how it comes to life within the piece?
My artwork for this year’s anniversary festival is about my love for this place, this festival, and a little whimsy and color along the way. It includes familiar elements of Nevada County and the Sierra — trees, mountains, rivers, wildflowers. The colorful pinwheel represents the momentum of the festival: twenty-five years of the wind changing, the issues changing, but the people always keeping it moving forward. And the salmon is a nod to SYRCL’s mission of protecting and restoring the Yuba watershed. Its life cycle — river to ocean and back again — represents transformation and coming full circle. Maybe I’m a little part of that salmon too, jumping (or dancing) for joy and hope.
4. Much of your artwork often revolves around nature. Can you tell us about your approach to painting/creating and why those forms are important to you and your work?
Most of the artwork I create is inspired by the music I love and the amazing place we live. The rivers, mountains, trees, and sunshine are common elements in my posters … I don’t paint what nature looks like. I paint what it sounds like. And as a Deadhead and lover of live music, I create work that is improvised, like the music that inspires it.
5. What do you think about the intersection of art and activism, and why might it be crucial in this moment?
In an era where creatives are often feeling defeated, now is the time where our work becomes focused. What does it look like to feel helpless? How does that translate in music, poetry, and art? Or film? When everything is falling apart, it is art that lets us see what is real. To create is a refuge, a coping mechanism for understanding and a space to process emotions and our response to them. For some of us it is just therapy, for others a weapon. Art has the power to influence, spark imagination and sharpen understanding. In times of duress throughout history, activism driven art is how we understand what we are up against. The creative response to struggle and chaos is a proven way we find our solidarity.
6. Our Festival’s tagline is “Where activism gets inspired.” What inspires you?
I’ve always understood the important intersection of activism and art. As the creator of Wild & Scenic, I saw early on how powerful film could be in telling the stories of environmental issues and of the activists fighting for change. As now as a leader in the Indivisible movement, I am using art to express hope of protecting democracy in our country.
7. How can people see more of your artwork? Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
I am currently working on a large variety of illustration, music, and activism projects – from protest and music posters to album covers to the next set of designs for High Sierra Music Festival.
