Grade 5 Art And Craft Presentation And Exhibition – Mounting Artwork Notes

Art and Craft — Presentation & Exhibition

Subtopic: Mounting Artwork

What you will learn

• What "mounting" means and why it is important.
• How to mount a drawing or painting safely and neatly.
• How to prepare and hang artwork for a school exhibition in Kenya.

Materials you can use

• Cardboard or thick mounting board (old poster board works).
• Manila paper, coloured paper, or white art paper for matting.
• Scissors ✂️, glue stick or PVA glue, masking tape (or double-sided tape).
• Ruler and pencil, measuring tools.
• String, small nails or pins for hanging (ask an adult to help with nails).
• Optional: clear plastic sheet or laminating pouch (for protection during transport).

Step-by-step: How to mount your artwork

1. Choose the right board. Use cardboard or a firm board slightly bigger than your art. This becomes the backing.
2. Cut a mat (optional). If you want a border, cut a slightly larger sheet of paper and cut an inner window. Place the art behind the window so a neat border shows.
3. Center your art. Place the artwork on the board. Measure equal space on each side so it looks even.
4. Attach the top edge first. Put glue or double-sided tape along the top back edge. Press to stick. This keeps the picture from flapping.
5. Secure all sides. Add tape or glue under the corners and sides. Use small pieces of tape at the back if you might remove the art later.
6. Reinforce thin paper. If your paper is thin, glue it to a manila sheet first, then mount that on the board.
7. Add a hanger. Stick a loop of tape and tie string, or ask an adult to fix a small hook or sawtooth hanger on the back. Make sure the hanger is centered so the art hangs straight.
8. Protect for travel. Cover with a clear plastic sheet or put paper between artworks and carry flat in a box or folder.

Safety tips

• Use scissors with rounded tips and ask for help with sharp tools or hammers.
• Glue small amounts; let glue dry flat so art does not stick to the table.
• If using nails or hammers, get an adult to do the fixing on the wall.
• Do not hang heavy frames on weak nails — use proper hooks for exhibitions.

Classroom activity (30–45 minutes)

Prepare one drawing at school. In groups of 3:

1. Choose a cardboard backing and a coloured mat that matches your drawing.
2. Measure and cut the mat, center the drawing and mount it neatly.
3. Label the back with the artist's name, class and title of the artwork.
4. Practice hanging the piece on a classroom pin board using clips or string.

Exhibition day — quick checklist

• All artworks are mounted and labelled.
• Hangers and strings are secure.
• Artworks are carried flat in folders or boxes to avoid creases.
• Display neatly, with similar sizes grouped together.
• Stand ready to explain your work — say the title, what you used and why you chose the colours.

Questions to help you remember

1. Why is mounting important for an exhibition?
2. Name two safe ways to attach your artwork to a board.
3. How should you carry your mounted artworks to school?