On Saturday August 16th, 2025 we had our inaugural CSOL Art Serenade – and it was truly spectacular. This event had over 10 musical performances throughout the day, 36 local artists featured, 2 live art competitions, 9 sculptures made from broken instruments, and the instrument petting zoo. Even with a bit of rain, this was a day to remember.

We raised $13,200 net profit for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League as a result of our amazing sponsors, the result of our ticket sales, and the proceeds from art sales. This number does not include the funds raised for our local art community through the art market, the artist cut, and opportunities created outside of the venue. Overall, it was a great day for the Charleston arts scene!

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League’s mission is to make classical music more celebrated in the local area and to create scholarships for aspiring musicians. In one final effort to raise funds for the CSOL and the visual creators who made this event so special, we have an encore auction. The pieces listed are available until Friday, August 29th, 2025, at 1 pm. 50% will go to the CSOL, and 50% will go to the artist. See if your favorite piece is still available here!

Throughout the day, we witnessed stunning live performances from CSO musicians, CSOL scholarship winners, and student musicians. Every note and tempo brought an engaging and beautiful moment to the event.

Attendees had the chance to pick up an instrument and play around! All ages and backgrounds had the chance to try a trumpet for the first time, or play a song on the violin.

We had 2 1-hour contests throughout the day where 4 artists at a time created a painting from start to finish based on the music they were hearing. We had four winners: Ellis Fox (@sylkworms), Valentina Messina (@valentina.messina.750), Jenifer Padilla (@pearonawire), and Michele Lyon (@michele.lyon.fine.art). These winners were selected by our amazing judges, Christine Patterson, Nadine Vogel, and Sheryl Stalnaker.

We had 10 local vendors set up outside selling original works.

Email us with any questions at CSOLartserenade@gmail.com – and don’t forget to check out our encore auction. Thank you for supporting this grassroots event!