Unit Plan 18 (Grade 8 Art): Presentation & Artist Statement
Grade 8 art curation unit where students select works, prepare professional displays, and write artist statements explaining intent, process, and growth.
Focus: Prepare artwork for display by selecting pieces based on clear criteria, using appropriate presentation techniques, and writing an artist statement that explains intent, process, and growth.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Curation/Display • Reflection & Communication)
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 review work created throughout the term and select pieces for a mini-portfolio or exhibition, using criteria like craftsmanship, clarity of message, and personal growth. Students then prepare their chosen works for display—mounting, matting, labeling, or formatting digitally as available. At the same time, they draft and refine an artist statement that explains their themes, decisions, and growth as artists. By the end, students curate and present a small body of work that communicates who they are as 8th grade artists.
Essential Questions
- How do artists decide which works to present to represent their skills, ideas, and growth?
- What makes artwork look professionally and thoughtfully presented, rather than rushed or unfinished?
- How can an artist statement help viewers understand the intent, process, and meaning behind artwork?
- What criteria can we use (craftsmanship, clarity of message, personal growth) to select and present our strongest pieces?
- How does learning to curate and present our artwork prepare us for future portfolios, auditions, or public displays?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review their body of work and select artworks for presentation using criteria such as craftsmanship, clarity of message, and evidence of growth (VA:Pr4.8a).
- Explain why each selected artwork belongs in their portfolio or mini-exhibition, referencing specific criteria.
- Prepare artwork for display using appropriate presentation techniques (mounting, matting, labeling, digital formatting) to enhance professionalism (VA:Pr5.8a).
- Design simple labels that include title, medium, size, date, and other relevant information for each displayed piece.
- Draft, revise, and finalize an artist statement that describes their overall themes, process, and growth, and connects to selected works.
- Participate in a class gallery walk, presenting their display and statement, and reflect on how presentation affects viewer understanding.
Standards Alignment — 8th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr4.8a — Select artworks for presentation based on criteria such as craftsmanship, clarity of message, and personal growth.
- Example: Students curate three works for a portfolio exhibition and explain why each was chosen.
- VA:Pr5.8a — Prepare artwork for display by considering presentation techniques such as mounting, framing, labeling, and digital formatting.
- Example: Students mat drawings, create labels and artist statements, and arrange works for display.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can choose artworks that show my best skills, clearest messages, and personal growth.
- I can explain why each selected piece belongs in my portfolio or display.
- I can prepare my work so it looks neat, intentional, and ready to exhibit.
- I can write an artist statement that explains what my art is about, how I made it, and how I have grown.
- I can organize my art and statement in a way that helps viewers understand and connect with my work.