Unit Plan 27 (Grade 6 Art): Preparing Artwork for Display

Focus: Mount and label artwork for presentation, using neat mounting, clear labels, and organized display planning.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presentation • Display Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students shift from making art to presenting art. They learn how to mount, label, and organize their work so it looks professional and is easy for an audience to understand. By studying examples of well-presented artwork and practicing careful measuring, cutting, gluing, and label writing, students see how presentation can support or distract from their message. The week ends with finished, display-ready pieces that show both artistic effort and respect for viewers.

Essential Questions

• Why does presentation (mounting, labeling, arrangement) matter in how people experience artwork?
• What does it mean to prepare artwork for display in a neat and professional way?
• How can I use mounting and labels to help viewers understand my work and my intent?
• How do decisions about spacing, grouping, and order affect an exhibition’s overall impact?
• What responsibilities do artists have when sharing work in a public or classroom display?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe why presentation choices (mounting, labels, placement) affect how artwork is viewed (VA:Pr5.6a).
2. Neatly mount artwork on backing paper or board using correct measuring, trimming, and adhesion techniques (VA:Pr5.6a).
3. Create accurate, legible labels including title, artist name, medium, and year, with optional short description (VA:Pr5.6a).
4. Help plan how artworks will be arranged in a display space, considering spacing, grouping, and viewing flow (VA:Pr5.6a).
5. Prepare at least one artwork for display that demonstrates neat mounting, clear labeling, and organized presentation (VA:Pr5.6a).

Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Pr5.6a — Prepare artwork for presentation by mounting, labeling, and organizing display space appropriately.
  • Example: Students create simple title cards and mount artwork neatly.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can explain why mounting and labels matter for how my artwork is seen.
• I can mount my artwork neatly with even borders and clean edges.
• I can write a clear label with my name, title, medium, and year.
• I can help decide how to arrange artworks so they look organized and easy to view.
• I can say my artwork is ready for display because it is mounted, labeled, and presented carefully.