Unit 4 Project: Christmas Mosaic

Assignment Description

Theme: Texture & Pattern

Due Date: Finish In-class – Wednesday, December 17th; Presentation – Wednesday, January 7th

Assignment Overview 

This month, we are combining our study of Texture & Pattern with our ongoing exploration of composition and narrative art.

Each student will create an original mosaic style art piece to tell the story of the Biblical Christmas Story.

Project Requirements 

• Your mosaic must be Christmas related – and biblically focused/rooted – no santa, snowmen, etc (this is required). 
• Use the entire page to create a strong composition. 
• You may use pencil to create your composition and guide your mosaic piece gluing, but no pencil marks should show on your final presentation piece. 
• The only medium you will be permitted to use is cut paper – any color palette & pieces must be cut to resemble mosaic. 
• You may draw inspiration from styles, poses, or palettes seen in the images attached to this assignment.

In-Class Studio Time 

We will use our class sessions throughout December to complete this project.

Presentation & Evaluation 

On Wednesday, January 7th, you will present your finished piece to the class and share a brief reflection on: 

• What scene you created and why you chose it 
• How you used composition, texture and color to tell the story visually 
• Any stylistic inspiration or influences 

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High School Art Project Rubric (12 Points Total)

1. Craftsmanship & Technique (0–3 pts)

3 – Artwork shows strong technical skill, clean execution, and attention to detail; materials handled with care.

2 – Mostly neat and well-executed with minor flaws; acceptable control of materials.

1 – Noticeable rushed areas, messiness, or weak technique; inconsistent handling of materials.

0 – Minimal effort; significant issues with craftsmanship.

2. Accuracy to the Assignment (0–3 pts)

3 – Fully meets the project requirements and reflects the historical/cultural elements of the unit (e.g., Greek motifs, accurate portrait proportions, mosaic principles).

2 – Meets most requirements with a few missing or underdeveloped elements.

1 – Only partially meets the assignment; key elements missing or incomplete.

0 – Does not meet assignment expectations.

3. Creativity & Visual Problem-Solving (0–3 pts)

3 – Strong originality; thoughtful design choices; creative interpretation within classical constraints.

2 – Some creative decision-making is evident; mostly conventional but still thoughtful.

1 – Limited creativity; follows examples too closely without personal choices.

0 – No creative input shown.

4. Effort, Focus & Completion (0–3 pts)

3 – Consistently focused during class; uses time wisely; project fully completed with evident effort.

2 – Mostly focused; project completed but lacks polish or consistent effort.

1 – Frequently distracted; incomplete work or low effort.

0 – Off-task; project unfinished.