How it works

Months of creativity and connection, all leading to one day in April.

The Artists

20+ artists are selected and invited to create an original work of art for the event. We provide the canvas, so every piece starts from the same place.

The Music

Each artist is paired with a song selected by a Charleston Symphony Orchestra musician or student. The artists and musicians connect and share ideas about how the visual and musical art relate, and that inspiration shapes the work.

The Making

Artists have five months to create their piece for the auction. Each artist chooses to split their sale 50/50 with the Symphony or donate 100%.

The Auction

Every piece is the same size with the same starting bid, and you can see them all in person on April 17, 2027. Bidding opens online one week before the event and closes on the day at 3:30 PM.

The Impact

100% of the funds raised go to the artists and to scholarships for the future musicians of Charleston.

On the day

All-day music and activities across the venue, inside and out.

Charleston Symphony string quartet performing

Live Symphony

Live symphonic performances all day long.

Live Painters

Painters creating throughout the venue, up close, all day.

Art Market & Food Trucks

Local vendors in an art market, plus food trucks outside.

Instrument Discovery Zone

Hands-on experience with real instruments, for all ages.

Collaborative Art

A community art activity everyone can add to.

Event Merch

Shirts, posters, and totes featuring the art made for this event.

NO TICKETS. FREE ENTRY FOR ALL.
All-day music and activities from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The scholarships

This is where your dollars go. Every gift at the Art Serenade becomes real scholarships for real students and musicians across the Lowcountry.

OUR 2027 GOAL: $25,000

raised for scholarships through this year's Art Serenade

scholarships awarded this year, totaling $32,200

students competed for scholarships to support their musical studies

$40,000+

given this year across college, summer study, and continuing education scholarships

$100,000

total 2025-26 giving to music education and the Symphony

Up to $5,000

CSO MUSICIAN SUMMER STUDY GRANTS

Awarded each year to members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. This year, seven summer study awards went to CSO musicians.

$2,500 each

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

For graduating seniors who plan to major in music performance, composition, or education.

$5,000

THE DAVID AND KAREN STAHL MEMORIAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded to the highest scoring applicant for a college scholarship.

$500

MATCHING GRANT AWARDS

For members of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra or Sinfonietta programs for private lessons during the school year, with additional tuition and lesson assistance for students in financial need.

Varying awards

SUMMER STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS

For students age 10 through 11th grade to support summer music camps, festivals, or private lessons, including the Ruth and Barry Goldsmith award for the highest scoring camp or festival applicant.

Experience the Serenade

Watch what a day of music and art in harmony looks like, and meet a student your support helped send off.

Where your dollars go

This year's David and Karen Stahl Award went to Myles Owen-Walker, who played live at our very first Art Serenade. Myles began his musical career on the viola in fourth grade before switching to cello, was selected for All-State Orchestra five consecutive years, and will pursue a cello performance degree at Florida State University this fall. From performing at this festival to a full scholarship send-off, your support at the Art Serenade sends the next Myles on their way.