Unit Plan 29 (Grade 8 Art): Preparing Artwork for Display
Grade 8 art presentation unit where students mat, mount, label, and format artwork professionally to enhance craftsmanship, clarity, and exhibition readiness.
Focus: Mat, mount, label, and prepare artwork professionally, using consistent presentation techniques that enhance craftsmanship and clarity for an exhibition or portfolio.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presentation & Display • Professional Practice)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students shift from creating and curating artwork to preparing it for display like practicing artists. Building on their exhibition plans, they learn how presentation choices—matting, mounting, labeling, and digital formatting—affect how viewers experience their work. Students practice measuring and cutting mats, mounting pieces cleanly, producing consistent labels, and, where appropriate, formatting images for a digital portfolio. By the end of the week, they will have one or more artworks prepared for display in a professional, polished manner that supports the exhibition’s overall impact.
Essential Questions
- How do presentation techniques like matting, mounting, and labeling affect how viewers see and value artwork?
- What makes a piece of artwork look professionally prepared versus unfinished or student-level?
- How can I choose the best display method (mat, mount, digital) for each artwork?
- Why is consistency important in labels, formats, and mounting in an exhibition or portfolio?
- How can I care for and handle my artwork so it stays in good condition before, during, and after display?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify different presentation options (matting, mounting, framing, digital formatting) and explain when each is appropriate (VA:Pr5.8a).
- Measure and cut simple mats or mounting boards accurately to fit selected artworks.
- Mount artwork securely and neatly using appropriate adhesives or techniques without damaging the work.
- Create consistent, legible labels and, if applicable, artist statements for display.
- Prepare digital images of artwork (photograph or scan, crop, basic edit, and name files) for use in a digital portfolio or slideshow.
- Complete a Display-Ready Checklist showing that selected works are ready for exhibition or portfolio presentation (VA:Pr5.8a).
Standards Alignment — 8th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr5.8a — Prepare artwork for display by considering presentation techniques such as mounting, framing, labeling, and digital formatting.
- Example: Students mat drawings and create consistent labels and artist statements for display in a school exhibition.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can choose a presentation method (mat, mount, digital) that makes sense for each artwork.
- I can measure, cut, and attach mats or mounting boards so my work looks neat and professional.
- I can create consistent labels that are easy to read and match the exhibition’s style.
- I can prepare digital images of my artwork that are clear, properly cropped, and correctly named.
- I can complete a checklist showing that my artwork is ready to be displayed to an audience.