Meet the WSU student, local artist who created 339 shorebirds from reclaimed acrylic
OGDEN, Utah — When Janika Linville steps into a classroom at Weber State, she doesn’t just see desks or classwork, but possibility — for herself, her community, and the planet.
The 31-year-old mother and Syracuse, Utah, native is pursuing her third bachelor’s degree, this time in fine arts with an emphasis in 3D media. Her studies aren’t just about improving her future, but using art to raise awareness around issues that matter to her.
“I like making art that makes a difference in the community or brings attention to important issues,” said Linville, whose work often focuses on ecology, especially the Great Salt Lake and the bird species that call it home.
What began as hobbies in birdwatching, hiking, and being outdoors evolved into a more creative purpose.
“All these accumulating experiences through my life made it very easy to fall into that subject matter,” she explained. “It’s kind of a continuation of these hobbies and interests.”
Her latest project is for the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington Bay. Developed from a small class assignment, it eventually grew into a large-scale installation highlighting avian life at the Great Salt Lake. It features 339 bird species tracked by the Division of Wildlife Resources and is made of reclaimed acrylic from WSU’s Property Control.
The piece overlooks the wetlands and showcases the nurturing behaviors of certain shorebirds with their young — something that really resonated with her as a parent.
“Some shorebirds carry their babies on their back,” said Linville. “I wanted to show how these birds are beings with emotions and relationships in order to activate that empathy and connection instead of just leaning into doom and gloom.”
Her prior degrees in elementary education and early child education contribute to her process. Understanding how people grow and learn influences how she communicates complex ecological relationships through visual storytelling. In addition to the acrylic piece, she has done work for the Antelope Island Visitor Center, designing infographics for school field trips.
Linville describes her entrance into the art program at WSU as “kind of a happy accident.” And the longer she’s here, the more grateful she feels to have found a program that embraces nontraditional students.
“I am fortunate to be at the Weber State art department,” said Linville. “The most rewarding aspect of being here is being able to create a community and network with people who are like-minded. But it’s also creating this broader network and web of relational connections that I know will serve me going forward as I go into the professional sphere and as a working artist.”
On campus, she works within the art department, assisting with art installations and undergraduate research. She’s been invited to leadership roles in both the Art Guild club and WSU’s chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, which is a professional association for designers. She also previously curated an art show in partnership with the Browning Design Lab and Ogden City as part of a larger effort to reimagine and rebrand Lester Park as a space for community engagement.
“Janika stands out because of the rigor of research she puts into her work,” said Kellie Bornhoft, art assistant professor. “Her ability to envision expansive projects and follow through is impressive.”
Since starting at Weber in spring 2024, Linville has earned the Elizabeth Brown Dee and Lindquist Creative & Artistic Endeavors scholarships, along with the Carolyn R. Nebeker Art History Scholarship, which is funding her future research in London on the sociopolitical history of textile art.
Linville said she believes the most influential people are those who remain open to learning, evolving, and engaging with the world around them through care and curiosity.
“Go out and do the thing,” said Linville. “Go and make the connections, make the art, make a difference. Be able to really self-reflect and then move forward.”
Ashlee Ellinwood, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu