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 – you can choose any color palette & the paper 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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Middle School Art Project Rubric (12 Points Total)

1. Craftsmanship & Technique (0–3 pts)

3 – Very neat, careful work; strong control of materials.

2 – Mostly neat with just a few messy spots.

1 – Several messy areas; uneven technique.

0 – Very rushed or incomplete work.

2. Following Directions (0–3 pts)

3 – All project steps followed; includes required unit elements.

2 – Most steps followed; one or two things missing.

1 – Only some directions followed.

0 – Directions not followed.

3. Creativity & Ideas (0–3 pts)

3 – Creative choices; shows original thinking.

2 – Some creativity shown.

1 – Limited creative effort.

0 – No creative decisions shown.

4. Effort & Use of Time (0–3 pts)

3 – Worked hard, stayed focused, finished project fully.

2 – Mostly focused; finished but lacks polish.

1 – Distracted at times or work unfinished.

0 – Off-task; project incomplete.

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.