In 2026, Sageland Collaborative launched the Sci-Art Initiative, a program that provides opportunities for artists interested in the intersection of science-art to visit Great Salt Lake and create works highlighting their unique experiences with shorebirds and conservation.

Throughout the summer, we had the joy of working with four local artists as they created artworks inspired by the shorebirds of Great Salt Lake and the remarkable migrations that connect Utah’s wetlands to habitats across the Western Hemisphere.

These pieces, alongside those of artists from our Sci-Art Initiative partners at Plumas Colectiva and Sour Honey Collective, premiered at an exhibition opening at the Sorenson Unity Center Gallery (on display through August 19th) where we heard from the artists and scientists about the importance of bringing community together for the conservation of these birds, the habitats they rely on, and the people of the Salt Lake Valley.

By supporting this auction, you are helping bring greater attention to the birds, landscapes, and collaborative conservation work needed to sustain shorebirds for generations to come.

Auction Items

Falling Stilt
Kate Jarman-Gates

Starting Bid: $500

The falling numbers of Great Salt Lake shorebirds is disproportionate to the number of humans needed to do something about it. Where is the rallying cry of solidarity with the stilts and the phalaropes whose lives are in freefall? This piece invites you to be this Black-necked Stilt tumbling through the smoky air as your home disappears from beneath you. Will you be able to catch your courage and fly again, or will you meet your death at the dry bottom below? Will the humans counting you be enough to save your crumbling home?

Species highlighted: Black-necked Stilt

katejarmangates.art

Pray for Rain
Alethia Rodriguez

Starting Bid: $125

The drying of the Great Salt Lake is a consequence of inaction. We cannot remain passive and expect this environmental crisis to resolve itself. Our future demands awareness, accountability, and action.

Species highlighted: Wilson’s Phalarope, Human

Instagram: @alethialunares

There is Still Time
Frances Cabrera Ngo

Starting Bid: $125

…while there is still water. This piece highlights a cascade of organisms and habitats that support shorebirds along the Great Salt Lake. Variable plant communities and abiotic factors create a continuum of habitats along the shoreline such as: emergent wetlands, wet meadows, uplands, mud flats, or playas. Different shorebird species rely on specific areas for foraging during migration or nesting during their breeding season. The diverse range of conditions across the lake create an ecological web of invertebrate, plant, and bird communities; all of which are sustained by the presence of Great Salt Lake’s water.

Species highlighted, from bottom to top: Wilson’s Phalarope, Brine Shrimp, Brine Fly Larva, Pickleweed, Snowy Plover, Swamp Milkweed, Brine Fly Pupa, Nodding Beggarticks, Common Spikerush, Long-billed Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sago Pondweed, Brine Fly Adult, Black-necked Stilt

tinyzoologist.com
Instagram: @tiny_zoologist

Salty Chain
Alethia Rodriguez

Starting Bid: $175

Every ecosystem is sustained by its smallest inhabitants. To protect the whole, we must protect each link.

Species highlighted: Cyanobacteria, Brine Shrimp, Wilson’s Phalarope, Human

Instagram: @alethialunares

You can see these pieces on display at the Sci-Art Gallery Exhibition through August 19, 2026 at the Sorenson Unity Center, or at the Shorebird Social at Fisher Brewing Company on August 23, 2026.

The pieces have been generously donated by members of the 2026 Sci-Art Cohort and partner organizations — thank you!

All proceeds from this auction support Sageland Collaborative’s conservation programs, ensuring that we are able to continue engaging our community in hands-on restoration activities.