Janika Linville, a Weber State University student and Syracuse native, has created a large-scale art installation featuring 339 shorebirds made from reclaimed acrylic. The project was developed for the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington Bay and uses materials provided by WSU’s Property Control.
Linville, who is pursuing a third bachelor's degree in fine arts with an emphasis in 3D media, designed the piece to highlight avian life at the Great Salt Lake. The installation features bird species tracked by the Division of Wildlife Resources and showcases nurturing behaviors, such as shorebirds carrying their young on their backs.
Linville stated that her goal was to use visual storytelling to activate empathy and connection to ecology rather than focusing on gloom. Her background in elementary and early child education influences how she communicates complex ecological relationships through her art.
In addition to the shorebird installation, Linville has designed infographics for the Antelope Island Visitor Center and has worked to curate community art shows. She also holds leadership roles in the Art Guild club and the WSU chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
Art assistant professor Kellie Bornhoft noted that Linville is distinguished by the rigor of research she applies to her work and her ability to execute expansive projects.
Linville has received the Elizabeth Brown Dee and Lindquist Creative & Artistic Endeavors scholarships, as well as the Carolyn R. Nebeker Art History Scholarship. The latter will fund her future research in London regarding the sociopolitical history of textile art.
