Unit Plan 29 (Grade 7 Art): Mounting & Labeling
Grade 7 art presentation unit where students mount and label artwork using professional display techniques that protect work and support clear viewer understanding.
Focus: Prepare artwork professionally for display by learning and applying mounting, labeling, and basic presentation techniques that protect the work and support viewer understanding.
Grade Level: 7
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 focus on the practical skills that make artworks look professional in a display setting. They learn how to mount work neatly (matting, alignment, adhesive choices) and create clear, consistent labels that share essential information with viewers. Using their curated pieces from previous units, students practice measuring, trimming, attaching, and labeling with attention to craftsmanship and safety. By the end, each student will have at least one fully mounted and labeled artwork ready for exhibition or portfolio presentation.
Essential Questions
- Why does mounting and labeling matter for how artwork is experienced in a display?
- What makes a mounted artwork look professional, neat, and secure?
- What information should a display label include, and how can its design support clarity and readability?
- How can I choose appropriate materials and techniques to protect my work during presentation?
- In what ways do mounting and labeling choices communicate my respect for my own artwork and audience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe key qualities of professional mounting (straight alignment, even margins, clean edges, secure attachment) and basic display safety (VA:Pr5.7a).
- Select appropriate mounting materials and methods (mat board, backing board, tape, adhesive) for their own artwork (VA:Pr5.7a).
- Accurately measure, trim, and mount at least one artwork with neat craftsmanship and stable attachment (VA:Pr5.7a).
- Design and create clear display labels that include title, artist name, medium, and date, with consistent formatting (VA:Pr5.7a).
- Prepare a finished artwork for display by combining mounting and labeling and reflecting on how their choices support presentation quality (VA:Pr5.7a).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr5.7a — Prepare artwork for display using appropriate mounting, labeling, and presentation techniques.
- Example: Students create display labels explaining title and medium.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what makes a mounted artwork look professional and neat.
- I can choose mounting materials that protect and support my work.
- I can measure, trim, and attach my artwork so the margins and edges look clean and even.
- I can create a display label with correct information and easy-to-read formatting.
- I can prepare at least one artwork so it looks ready to hang in a gallery or school exhibition.