Unit Plan 28 (Grade 7 Art): Curating Artwork

Focus: Select artwork demonstrating growth and clarity by curating a small collection that highlights effort, technical development, and effective visual communication.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Curation • Portfolio Development)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students step into the role of curator, selecting artworks from their own body of work to create a mini curated collection. Instead of making new pieces, they review sketches, projects, and finished artworks from the year to decide which works best show effort, growth, and clear communication of ideas. Students develop and apply selection criteria, compare options, and justify their choices through short writing and discussion. By the end, each student will have a focused set of artworks that tells a story about their artistic growth and strengths.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to curate artwork, and how is that different from just showing everything I’ve made?
• How can I tell when an artwork shows strong effort, growth, and clear communication?
• What criteria should I use to select artworks for presentation or a portfolio?
• How can a small collection of artworks tell a story about my growth as an artist?
• How does choosing which pieces to show help me understand my own artistic strengths and next steps?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Define what it means to curate artwork and identify common criteria used for selection (effort, growth, communication, craftsmanship).
2. Review their own artworks from the year and evaluate each piece using agreed-upon criteria (VA:Pr4.7a).
3. Select a small set of artworks (e.g., 2–4 pieces) that best demonstrate growth and clarity of visual communication (VA:Pr4.7a).
4. Organize their selected artworks into a mini collection and explain how each piece fits the criteria (VA:Pr4.7a).
5. Write a brief Curator’s Note reflecting on why they chose these works and what the collection says about their progress as an artist (VA:Pr4.7a).

Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Pr4.7a — Select artwork for presentation based on criteria such as effort, growth, and effective communication.
  • Example: Students curate two works for a class gallery walk.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can explain what it means to curate artwork and why selection matters.
• I can use criteria (effort, growth, communication, craftsmanship) to evaluate my own pieces.
• I can choose a small set of artworks that best show my improvement and clear ideas.
• I can organize my chosen works into a mini collection and explain why each one belongs.
• I can write a short Curator’s Note that tells the story of my growth and choices.