Christian Mosaics

The young people will become familiar with an art form used by early Christians to express their faith.

The young people should be able to describe the role of art in Christian prayer.

• Pieces of colored paper
• White construction paper (1 sheet per young person)
• Glue
• Examples of mosaics

• Explain to the young people that a mosaic is an art form that developed during the fourth century and was used to cover the inner walls of basilicas.
• Show pictures of mosaics and lead the young people in a discussion of the symbols used and what those symbols mean.
• Direct the young people to create their own mosaics by following these directions:

Choose a design used in the early Church, such as a fish, a cross, the book of life, or the shepherd. Sketch the design lightly on a sheet of white construction paper.

Tear colored paper into small pieces and glue them to the sketch, filling every space inside the outline.

• Invite volunteers to share their art work. Display the mosaics in a visible place.

Art/Space Smart

For the colored paper, you might use crepe paper, construction paper, or torn magazine photos.