Mosaics at the MOCA

Middle schoolers visited the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), to see the Duke Riley exhibit O’er the Wide and Plastic Sea.

This exhibit features an artwork titled “Order From Prescription History” (2020), which is a mosaic Riley constructed using a variety of found plastic materials, including bottle caps, cigar tips, mechanical pencil parts, and bread bag clips. This mosaic closely resembles a Sailor’s Valentine, which is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir or sentimental gift made using large numbers of small seashells.

After seeing the sailor’s valentine in person, students were given the opportunity to create their own mosaics out of modeling clay and found objects including shells, beads, and wire. A discussion was held on symmetry and why it is essential in a mosaic. Then students were set to the task of putting together their mosaic.

Thank you to our friends at MOCA for this amazing adventure!