Live Painting at Art Serenade: What Participating Artists Need to Know

Welcome to the CSOL Art Serenade—where Charleston’s most vibrant visual artists and classical musicians come together for an immersive celebration of creativity. If you’ve been selected as a live painting contest participant, congratulations! This experience offers not only an exciting challenge, but also a unique opportunity to share your process with the public, connect with other creatives, and contribute to an inspiring fundraiser in support of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League.

This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know before event day.

Date: August 16th
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Park Circle Community Buildy & Grounds
Tickets: $15 per person (discounts for groups available)

Live Painting Contest Times:

• Contest 1: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Contest 2: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Artist Arrival & Check-In: See your admission email!

You’ll be assigned to one of the two contests and will have a full hour to create a painting live while classical musicians perform nearby. Your piece should be inspired by what you see, hear, and feel during the performance—it’s about letting the music move your brush.

All artists will be given:

• One wood panel
• Easel
• Event t-shirt
• Certificate of participation

Please come prepared with everything else you need to complete your piece. That may include:

• Paints, brushes, water containers, palettes, or towels
• Personal items like aprons if desired
• Business cards or artist info for curious guests

There will be some additional materials on-site, but it is advised you bring what you prefer to work with!

• All artwork must be completed during your assigned 1-hour contest window
• You may sign your piece at the end
• The subject and style are up to you, but the piece should be inspired by the live performance
• No copyrighted images or offensive content may be included
• After the contest, your artwork will remain with the event team for auction or display

Note: Artists do not receive a portion of the $100 contest fee or the artwork sale. This is a fundraiser and platform-building opportunity—your name, photo, and work will be featured online and in event materials. You will have an opportunity to win awards, gain exposure to new buyers and be featured on the CSOL Art Serenade site and social media.

At the end of each contest, three winners will be selected:

• Artist’s Choice (selected by a panel of respected judges)
• Musician’s Choice (selected by members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra)
• People’s Choice (voted online after the event)

Art Judges Include:
Sherly Stalnaker, Nadine Vogel, Christine Patterson

Additional Notes:

• Artists may only win one category
• Artist’s and Musician’s Choice will be announced live at the event
• People’s Choice will be announced on Instagram the following week
• Judges will provide written feedback on each piece, shared post-event

Your participation comes with several meaningful benefits:

• Recognition on CSOL Art Serenade’s website and social media
• An event t-shirt and official certificate
• Personalized feedback from professional artists and musicians
• Networking with fellow creatives, musicians, and potential patrons
• The chance to be part of something truly special in Charleston’s art scene

Arrival Time: 

• Contest 1: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Check in at 11 AM
• Contest 2: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Check in at 1 PM

You’ll be guided to your painting area and provided with your panel and easel. A volunteer liaison will help you get settled and make sure you’re supported throughout the contest.

We recommend bringing:

• A bag for your supplies

Can I take my piece home after the contest?
No—all pieces will remain with the event organizers for auction or display.

What if I can’t attend?
Please notify the event team as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another artist.

Will there be food on site?
Yes! Food trucks will be available throughout the event.

What happens if it rains?
All creations will be indoors.

Reach out to CSOLartserenade@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you for being a part of this beautiful intersection of music and visual art. We can’t wait to see what you create.